Caprese Sgroppino

Description: A playful, savory twist on the classic Italian cocktail, this drink is inspired by the flavors of a caprese salad. Vodka is fat-washed with extra virgin olive oil, lending depth and silkiness, while a house-made basil simple syrup weaves in herbal complexity. Fresh tomato water keeps things bright and juicy, and a splash of sparkling Prosecco lifts the drink. Finished with a cloud of mozzarella foam and a crack of black pepper, it’s a cocktail that looks and tastes like summer in a glass. Glass: Coupe Ingredients: - 1.5 oz extra virgin olive oil fat-washed vodka (see method below) - 0.5 oz basil simple syrup (see method below) - 1 oz fresh tomato water - 0.5 oz lemon juice - 2 oz chilled Prosecco - 1.5 oz mozzarella foam (see method below) - Pinch of sea salt - Fresh cracked black pepper Method: 1. Add fat-washed vodka, basil syrup, tomato water, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt to a shaker with ice. 2. Shake vigorously until well chilled. 3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. 4. Gently top with Prosecco. 5. Spoon or pipe a cloud of mozzarella foam on top. 6. Finish with a crack of black pepper and a small basil leaf for garnish. Fat-washed Olive Oil Vodka: Combine 1 cup vodka with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a jar. Let infuse for 8 hours at room temperature, then freeze until the oil solidifies. Strain through a coffee filter or cheesecloth; keep refrigerated. Basil Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and a packed handful of fresh basil leaves. Gently heat until sugar dissolves. Cool, steep for 1 hour, then strain and chill. Tomato Water: Blend 2 ripe tomatoes with a pinch of salt, then strain through cheesecloth overnight in the fridge. Discard solids; use clear liquid. Mozzarella Foam: Blend 1 cup fresh mozzarella (torn), 1/2 cup water, and 1 tsp lecithin powder or 1 egg white until smooth and frothy. Let settle, then spoon just the foam. This innovative sgroppino channels the garden-fresh essence of a caprese salad into a smooth, savory-sparkling cocktail.