All Hallows’ Eve is approaching fast, and mixologist Masa Urushido found some inspiration in the impending fear for a creepy cocktail list available for a limited time at Saxon + Parole in Lower Manhattan, where he serves as bar manager. Each of his Halloween treats represent a different phobia, including Pyrophobia (the fear of fire), Necrophobia (the fear of death), Arachnophobia (the fear of spiders) and more.
The bright red Berry Transfusion was inspired by the fear of blood, or Hemophobia. Although the realistic-looking “blood”—a reduction of beets, pomegranate juice and sugar—might not appeal to the exceptionally squeamish, the berry flavors in this sip are sweet, simple and pretty ubiquitous.
“I was inspired by the classic ‘bramble’ drink created by Dick Bradsell; although typically gin-based, the berry flavor of Ménage à Trois Vodka offered a nice twist. To add some richness to the body—and color—I thought featuring the beet could be a fun seasonal touch,” said Urushido.
BERRY TRANSFUSION
1.5 oz. Ménage à Trois Berry Vodka
.75 oz. Fresh lemon juice
.25 oz. Crème de cassis
.5 oz. Beet grenadine*
Gooseberries and mint for garnish
Shake vodka, lemon juice and crème de cassis with ice and strain into a stemless wine glass filled with crushed ice. Top with beet grenadine. Garnish with gooseberries and mint.
*For beat grenadine, heat and reduce .5 cups of concentrated beet juice, 1.5 cups of pomegranate juice and 2 cups of sugar until the mixture becomes a syrup.
