There are places in the Engadine mountains that go beyond the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and ski slopes. One fine example is Grace La Margna in St. Moritz, which is making a name for itself thanks to its recent restoration, which transformed a 1900s Art Nouveau building into a charming boutique hotel, and its N/5 – The Bar.
A Tarot-Inspired Drink List
Here, the director of bars & beverages Mirco Giumelli has created something special: a tarot-inspired drink list where each cocktail is accompanied by an illustrated card, which tells the story of the concoction and, with a touch of irony, even the fate of its drinker. Signature beverages include The World. Like the tarot card of the same name, it represents a connection with the universe. Its elegant recipe consists of London Dry Gin and a homemade cordial with fresh ginger and lychees, topped with rosé champagne. Each ingredient has been carefully chosen to reflect the symbolism of the cocktail’s tarot card: gin as transformative fire, lychees as an emblem of purifying water, ginger evoking earthy roots, and champagne as elevating air.
Why The World Has Captivated Guests
Moving on to the tasting, with the first sip it’s immediately clear why this cocktail is captivating The Bar’s guests: the sparkling and lively freshness of the bubbles blends with the sweetness of the Chinese berries, creating a fruity and floral base. The ginger adds a spicy note, while the spirit lends structure with its aromatic nuances of juniper. A perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness and freshness, The World is a drink that celebrates harmony, just like the tarot that inspired it. These sips will make you want to order a second one, maybe just to find out what the back of another card will predict.
The Recipe of The World coktail
Ingredients
40 ml London Dry Gin
30 ml Ginger and Lychee Cordial
Top Rosé Champagne
Cordial Ingredients
200 ml Lychee Extract
4 g Citric Acid
100 ml Simple Syrup
50 ml Ginger Syrup
165 g Granulated Sugar (per 100 ml of Fresh Ginger Extract)
Cordial
Prepare the cordial by blending and straining fresh lychees, then incorporating ginger extract, sugar, and citric acid for a balanced flavor profile.
Method
In a shaker, combine all ingredients except the Champagne. Shake briefly, then fine strain into a coupe. Top with the sparkling wine.
Garnish
Garnish the cocktail with an edible flower before serving.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Photo by Grace La Margna, St. Moritz
