Imagine yourself visiting a warm beach filled with sunshine and the sights and smells of paradise. Floral, herbal, fresh and sweet. Lychee Bay is a tiki drink that delivers a complex sipping experience that is surprisingly hard to let go. Sweet lychee and mango are balanced with grapefruit and Lemon Hart 151. The light bitterness is unexpected but appropriate. You will need to make the infused bay leaf rum but you may find you enjoy it in other cocktails. Bay is a savory aromatic that can add just a touch of complexity to a cocktail as well as a surprise. Ask someone to guess what that aroma is and they likely won't be able to.

2.5 ounces Mango nectar

1 ounce fresh Grapefruit juice

1 ounce Bay Leaf infused silver rum*

.5 ounce Lemon Hart 151

.25 ounce Maraschino liquor

.3 ounce Lychee liquor

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with crushed ice. Shake well for maximum dilution and strain into a mug or glass filled with ice. Garnish with grapefruit and cherry.

*Bay leaf infused rum: In a jar or bottle, combine 12 ounces silver rum with 5 bay leaves. Put on a tight light and let it infuse for at least a week. Remove bay leaves and use in this cocktail as well as others you may want to add a little savory character to.

Cocktails