Drink of the Week: Calm Before the Storm by Zachary Gross

It is impossible not to think about everything that’s taking place all around us right now.

With Hatozaki Japanese Blended Whisky I wanted to create a sippable cocktail that’s super relaxing. Ahh!

Calm Before the Storm

Calm Before the Storm

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Hatozaki Japanese Blended Whisky
• 1/2 oz. Chamomile Tea, double-brewed
• 1/2 oz. honey
• 1/4 oz. homemade lemon tincture*
• honey stirrer (for garnish)

Preparation: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and stir until blended. Pour into a large rocks glass and serve well-chilled. Garnish with a honey stirrer.

*Housemade Lemon Tincture

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vodka
• 2 small lemons (or 1 large)

Preparation: Zest lemons, removing the outer peel with as little of the (white) pith as possible. Place in bottom of canning jar (or another glass container) and add vodka. Make sure zest is fully submerged. Tighten the lid and store in a cool, dark place for at least one month (longer is even better).

Meet Zachary Gross

CHILLED 100 Member New York

Zachary Gross is the Director of Wine and Beverage at Sen Sakana in New York City. He is an award-winning Beverage Director and Sommelier, and most recently received the coveted Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator for his wine list at Sen Sakana. In addition to being a Certified Sommelier, Gross is a sake scholar, adding another skill to his repertoire. In addition to his work at Sen Sakana, Gross also enjoys consulting for other restaurants and most recently helped Hiroki in Philadelphia achieve 3 out of 4 bells from the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Zachary Gross – CHILLED 100 Member, New York