The MaG family always have an exciting theme for their menus, whether it be important dates or countries of the world for EXPO 2015 as they have done in the past. This spring, they dedicate their new cocktail list to the most important element of any Italian family, grandma! Everyone loves grandma’s Brasato al Barolo, but her cocktails? Well as it turns out, Grandma has a long list of recipes up her sleeves, not designed to give you a nice buzz, but instead to cure many of your common ailments.
Back in the day, grandma was the go to person whenever you had a pain or ache. So to pay homage to this important person, Flavio Angiolillo, Andrea Dracos, Francesco Bonazzi, Nico Scarnera, Valentina Grilli, Mirko Turconi and co. have come up with a list that is basically a best of Grandma. Of grandma’s 14 cocktails I decided to focus my attention on the 5 most appropriate drinks for me.
For a hot aperitif is a classic vermouth-based aperitivo containing both Martini Dry and Ambrato. This drink has a nice bite to it thanks to the Polugar vodka infused with garlic. The interesting notes of garlic and mushroom are more apparent on the finish. But not to worry, the garlic flavour is very subtle, and won’t ruin your chances if you are on a date. Actually, the garlic could actually help your night since it’s a well-known aphrodisiac for men. To guarantee a hot aperitif, you will be given illustrations of different Kama sutra positions together with the drink.
Cocktail score 8.5/10
For a hot aperitif
As a food blogger, I spend my days eating cacio e pepe and pizza so I could surely benefit from To Burn Off the Fat featuring Bulleit Rye, peanuts, salt, pear, cardamom and lime. Actually Bulleit rye is a main contributor to my increasing belt size over the years. Peanuts however are rich in monounsaturated fats, an important component of the healthy Mediterranean diet. Coupled with cardamom with its detoxifying properties and you have one of the healthiest (and tastiest) drinks on the new menu. Served as a garnish is a dried pear, meant to be eaten after a couple sips of the drink. This is a very accessible whisky-based drink thanks to the lime and pear, which give a sweet and sour taste to the cocktail.
Cocktail score 8/10
To burn off the fat
To counter diabetes and high pressure is a refreshing long drink with rum, Calvados brandy, tiki bitter, pear, cinnamon, chinotto and lime. Cinnamon reduces cholesterol levels but improves blood sugar levels in the body. Thank you Grandma!
Cocktail score 7/10
To counter diabetes and high pressure
One of my favorites of the new list is To become stronger with Espolòn Reposado, orgeat syrup, lime, grapefruit, Hibiscus syrup and Goji berries. The key ingredient is of course the Goji berry which is rich in nutrients and considered a fountain of youth in parts of Asia. The drink was delicious thanks to the tequila base and sourness from the lime and grapefruit combination. On the side are almonds which due to their high magnesium content will help make your bones stronger.
Cocktail score 9/10
To become stronger
It turns out Grandma even has a remedy for your face. Facial treatment, a cocktail for two or more people, is a vodka sour with egg white foam with tea syrup, absinthe and mastika. Egg whites of course are commonly used for facial treatments. The tea element is because in Japan, a trick to eliminate dark circles under the eyes is to apply chilled tea bags.
Although I am not usually a fan of vodka-based drinks, this is my favorite drink on the menu as it doubles as the awesome MaG drinking game. Roll the dice to see how far to advance your game piece: you will have the chance of meeting celebrities such as Yurri, La Vale and the Maestro. The game is awesome and will have you laughing the whole time. And we all know that laughter is the best medicine. A mini bottle of Grey Goose is included in case you need to top up your drink as you play.
Cocktail score 9/10
Facial treatment Grey Goose game
In case your Hot Aperitif didn't work out, there is always plan B: For Hot Nights with Martini Ambrato, Bacardi Heritage, Goji berries and Hibiscus, lime and perfume of bay tree. Here we are taking advantage once again of the energizing propeties of Gojis. This most delicious and well balanced drink on the new list.
Cocktail score 9.5/10
For a Hot Night
Thanks to Flavio and Yurri for their help with this post. Thanks to Toney for the amazing photos.