Stealing Beauty

My annual Týpsy bar submission

For all the readers of this blog (the 3 of you that I know about), you probably remember that I entered a cocktail competition last year run by Tipsý Bar in Reykjavík. I'm pretty sure that it's an insider boys club for local bartenders, but it's open to anyone. Each year has a broad theme and a sponsor. Last year's theme was "America" sponsored by Bulleit, the year before was "French" sponsored by Grey Goose... you get the idea. My submission last year was the awesome Riders of the Pepper Sage, but got no response from the judges... I'm about 99% sure they don't even look at the recipes unless they are created by known bartenders in Reykjavík. Whatever, it's a fun exercise and an excuse to make something special.

This year's theme was "Italy" and sponsored by Martini & Rossi brands, makers of vermouths and proseccos. The rules always stipulate that you need to use a certain amount of product from the brand to create your submission, but you can interpret the theme any way you want. I made a few attempts at using their Fiero aperitivo, but they all failed in one way or another. Again, ChatGPT to the rescue. It's a great way to get ideas, although the recipes themselves always need a lot of adjustment. It's the flavor pairing and structural elements that it's good at. And as with any computer or robot it is bound by its human input: GIGO. Garbage in, garbage out.

The concept I came up with involved referencing one of my favorite Italian movies: Bertolucci's "Stealing Beauty" from 1996 starry Liv Tyler (yes, she can act). It's a coming of age love-ish story that takes place in Tuscany. I won't go into the details of the movie, but here's where ChatGPT really came through. After I came up with the recipe after much "conversation" and expressing ideas, I had it write me the required description that explains the cocktail and how it references Italy. It was amazing and I barely needed to tweak it:

"When I first saw the Bertolucci film “Stealing Beauty” I was completely enchanted; less by the plot than by the place — the Tuscan countryside; the light, scents and sounds hanging in the air. This story of first love made me nostalgic for my own first love; for that particular kind of innocence where desire feels new and effortless and time stretches lazily through the afternoon. I wanted to live inside that film — where wine appears as lunch, fruit is eaten with stained fingers, and pleasure is indulged without apology. This drink is built like that memory: bright and buoyant at first, then gradually deeper, warmer, and sensuous by the finish. It’s an afternoon that slips into twilight before you even notice."

Fucking brilliant, right? Anyway, I'll spare you the story behind the recipe, just make it and enjoy!

Stealing Beauty

• 1½ oz (45 ml) Martini Rosso (sweet vermouth)

• 2 oz (60 ml) Martini Prosecco

• ½ oz (15 ml) peach liqueur

• ½ oz (15 ml) amaretto

• 3 fresh raspberries, gently pressed

• 1 large clear ice cube, scented with 1 drop orange blossom water

Build (correct order)

1.   Add Martini Rosso, peach liqueur, and amaretto to a wine glass.

2.   Add raspberries and gently press just until they split and bleed.

3.   Add ice (including the orange-blossom–scented large cube placed against the side).

4.   Add Prosecco last, poured gently down the side of the glass.

5.   Give one slow stir — just enough to integrate.

Bellissimo!

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