Start Summer in GrandGala Fashion
It seems (out here in Seattle) that summer is having a hard time starting, as the clouds are still thick and low outside my window, and it’s raining (just leave the Seattle rain talk behind by the way, because our summers are usually dreamy). I’ve heard there are parts of the country that have had, and are having, sunny days, but it’s hard to believe. Wherever you are, though, and whether you’re having rain, sun, sleet, snow, or a mixture of all the above that defies convention, let me make a suggestion (a suggestion I’m going to take myself in a few hours): open a bottle of GranGala orange liqueur and jumpstart your summer.
For some reason I’m a little behind in tasting GranGala, which is made in Trieste, Italy, from Mediterranean oranges and Italian VSOP brandy, and have only recently begun experimenting with it. The oranges used to make it are sweeter than some, which might lead you to believe that it would have more of a dessert-y taste, but the brandy gives it a strong sturdy base that keeps the sugar in check in a way that makes it suitable for sipping, and also ideal in a chilled cocktail or highball (the fact that it’s not too sweet means it won’t turn the mix in the wrong direction). All of which is nice, sure, but don't take it to mean that the orange flavor doesn’t rule in glowing fashion. It does, which is why GranGala is such an ideal summer accompaniment (be sure and serve it cold though, to combat rising temperatures). If you’re wondering how to start playing around with GranGala (which, I just found out, won a gold medal at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits competition), try the following recipe for a Golden Orchard. 
Straining this drink over crushed ice makes it an extra-chilly summertime treat.
Golden Orchard
Ingredients:
2 large mint leaves
1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 ounce simple syrup
Ice cubes
2 ounces GranGala Triple Orange Liqueur
2 ounces vanilla cognac
Crushed ice
Orange twist, for garnish (optional)
Vanilla bean, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Add the mint, orange juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler or long wooden spoon, muddle well.
2. Fill the cocktail shaker halfway full with ice cubes. Add the GranGala and cognac. Shake well.
3. Fill a cocktail glass halfway full with crushed ice. Strain the GranGala mix over the ice. Garnish with the orange twist, vanilla bean, or both.
A Note: Simple syrup, if you don’t already have some, is easy to make. Add 3 cups sugar and 2-1/2 cups water to a medium-sized saucepan. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a boil over a medium-high heat. Lower the heat a bit, keeping the mixture at the low boil for five minutes. Then turn off the heat, and let the syrup completely cool in the pan. It stays good for up to a month in the fridge.
Comments