Cardenal Sins

18 November 2019

This cocktail is inspired by the first Cardenal Mendoza, Don Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza. Along with being a preeminent cultural figure, he was also a counselor to the King & Queen. But Cardenal Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza also enjoyed earthly pleasures, fathering three children with two lovers who the queen referred to as "the delightful sins of the Cardinal." So my goal was to create something so decadent it could almost be called sinful. Cardenal Mendoza Brandy provides the sultry backbone, while the port makes adds a sense of brooding intrigue with ripe fruit sweetness and a hint of tannin. Angelus adds an exotic flair with its flavors of bitter orange peel and cardamom that are perfectly complemented by the quintessential citrus notes of the Earl Grey syrup. Finally, fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balance to make a cocktail that is decadent, rich, sexy, brilliant crimson in color, and truly deserving of the name "Cardenal Sins"

cardenal sins cardenal mendoza brandy — Cardenal Sins by Lance Bowman.

Ingredients:

1.5 ounces Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva Brandy
0.75 ounces Tawny Port
0.25 ounces Cardenal Mendoza Angelus Liqueur
0.5 ounces Earl Grey Syrup *
0.75 ounces Lemon Juice

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin, add ice and shake. Double strain into a chilled cocktail coupe. Garnish with a skewered orange rose.

*Earl Grey Syrup: In a saucepan bring 1/2 ounce of earl grey tea (15 tea bags if not using loose leaf) and 32 ounces of water to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out tea, add 32 ounces by volume of sugar and stir to dissolve. Cool, label, bottle, and date.