Polynesian Spell #2
The Bamboo Room is a bar specializing in rum drinks within the cocktail bar Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago, operated by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. There beverage director Kevin Beary makes this cocktail, which is actually made with rum’s Brazilian cousin, cachaça.
This particular cachaça is aged in barrels of amburana, also called Brazilian oak, which is often used for that purpose. It’s combined with Ichiro Malt & Grain whisky along with freshly pressed green grape juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and two syrups: One made from Martinique cane sugar and the other made by simmering pandan leaves in simple syrup.
“The combination of cachaça and Japanese whisky is unconventional but delicious,” Beary said. “This is set off by some beautiful acidity and bright flavor profile of green grape and balanced by the unique flavor of pandan.”
It’s served over ice in a spiked glass resembling the tropical fruit rambutan and garnished with other tropical fruits, including pineapple, starfruit, and dragon fruit, as well as pineapple leaves.
Price: $21