Try Our “Will You Still Love Me Cocktail?”

By Michelle da Silva Richmond

As people around the world know, February spells “Romance,” and is traditionally the month for lovers – highlighted by Valentine’s Day on February 14.

While there are many legends and theories associated with how this special lovers’ day began, no matter which one you are drawn to, the fact is that is has become a very special event worldwide. Whether you celebrate with flowers, chocolates and special dinners, tasty, refreshing drinks are always an integral part of the popular ritual.

In keeping with that custom, we have created a special drink for this year’s loving occasion and we are calling it: “Me Amarás?” “Will You Love Me?”

Made with a soothing blend of Chambord, a French black raspberry liqueur with a cognac base and Strega, an herbal digestive made in Benevento, Italy since 1880, it’s specially made for lovers.

Created by a father – son team of Carmine Vincenzo Alberti and Giuseppe Alberti, Strega is a blend of some 70 herbal ingredients, including saffron, which gives it its distinctive yellow color.

According to Coral Beach mixologist Alejandro Moo, Strega (meaning “witch” in Italian) was used to make people fall in love. Based on this, he created this signature, romantic drink for this legendary holiday.

Benevento’s fabled witch history, dating to Imperial Roman times and later to the belief dating as far back as the 13^th century, that witches gathered under a certain walnut tree in the historic town. While the tree’s location is unknown, it was known to be a tall evergreen with a “noxious nature.”

In 1947 the Alberti family, together with writer Maria Bellonci and her husband Goffredo, set up the Premio Strega, the country’s most prestigious Italian literary award. Granted annually, a cash prize is given by the company for the best work of prose fiction written in the Italian language by an author of any nationality.

Me Amarás Recipe

¾ oz Chambord½ oz Strega

1 oz Mezcal Amarás

½ oz lemon juice

1 egg white

Handful of freeze-dried raspberries

Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and blend until egg white becomes foam. Pour into a cocktail glass and place raspberries on top.

Be sure to ask for this special cocktail when you’re visiting us this month. Salud!