Swiss Pile Driver
Bitter Italian liqueurs mixed with orange juice are popular all over Europe and in Switzerland. Cynar (a bitter liqueur made with artichoke leaves) is all the rage, says Leigh Lacap, head bartender at Craft & Commerce. “Everyone’s had a screwdriver before. But I recently stumbled upon a pile driver that adds prune juice to the equation. Instead of vodka, I chose to use dry gin for its citrusy botanicals. Instead of prune juice, I chose Cynar for its earthy bittersweetness and digestive properties. For a brighter citrus taste, I use fresh grapefruit juice and muddled orange, and I balance it all out with a little fresh lemon juice.”
Swiss Pile Driver
Serves 1
1 oz. dry gin
1 oz. Cynar
1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/4 oz. simple syrup
1 slice muddled orange
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Muddle the orange slice, being careful not to crush the rind. (Muddled rind will provide unwanted bitterness.)
Shake for a few seconds with ice. Strain into a glass full of fresh ice (crushed ice if you have it).
Garnish with another slice of orange.
Leigh Lacap, Head Bartender
Craft & Commerce
675 W. Beech St., San Diego, CA 92101
619.269.2202
www.craft-commerce.com
