Masters week at Augusta National Golf Club has a distinctly floral motif — just take a look at the names of each hole: Magnolia (No. 5), Yellow Jasmine (No. 8), Camellia (No. 10) and, of course, the famous Azalea (No. 13).
And the flower vibes extend off the course, too, in the form of eponymous cocktails. The popular Azalea — a refreshing blend of vodka, pineapple juice, lemon and grenadine — has been the longtime unofficial libation of the Masters.
But cocktail connoisseurs looking for an even more refined refreshment will be pleased with these fresh and vibrant floral-inspired options, courtesy of Shaun Lewis, a classically trained chef, cocktail master and general manager at Old Westbury Golf & Country Club on Long Island.
Step one for any great cocktail: premium ingredients. Lewis recommends you spring for high-quality spirits and garnishes. “All the ingredients really matter,” he says. “Go with the best you can find. It’s worth it.”
Step two: glassware. Choose a vessel that best accommodates the volume of your cocktail and the aromas therein. For example, a cocktail that has a high liquor-to-mixer ratio should be served in a glass that is more conducive to sipping, not slurping, like a traditional coupe glass. A coupe isn’t just for show; it’s purposeful in its design. The broad mouth and shallow bowl encourage the ideal distribution of aroma with each careful sip.
“A big part of our dining and drinking experience is smell,” Lewis says. “You want to be able to ‘nose’ what’s going on in your glass and get a whiff of the garnish as well.”
Be sure you’re sipping a beverage that matches that description too. You may just find a new favorite. According to Lewis, the Azalea’s days at the top of the heap may be numbered.
“The Sugar Magnolia is going to take over,” he says.
A bold prediction for sure.
Craft Your Own Magnificent Floral Cocktail
Sugar Magnolia
2.5 oz Bourbon
6 Mint leaves
.50 oz Tempus Fugit Banana Liqueur
2 Dash Pecan Bitters
Serve over crushed ice in a Collins glass, garnish with mint sprigs
White Lotus
1.5 oz Vodka
1.5 oz Italicus
1 oz Coconut Cream
.25 oz Lemon Juice
Shake, double strain and serve in a coupe glass. Garnish with Begonia & Borage blooms
Carolina Cherry
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Maraschino Cherry Liquor
.50 oz Lemon Juice
Club Soda to Top
Stir and serve over ice in a Collins glass, garnish with a cherry & dehydrated lemon wheel
Run Rabbit Run
2 oz Gin
1 oz Carrot Juice
.50 Elderflower Liqueur
.50 Lime Juice
.50 Teaspoon Caraway Seed (crushed)
Shake well and double strain, serve in a coupe glass, garnish with a Tarragon sprig
Jasmine Smoke
1 oz Mezcal
1 oz Tequilla Blanco
1.5 oz Jasmine Tea
.50 oz Honey Syrup
.25 oz Lime Juice
Shake well, serve in rocks glass over ice and garnish with basil and lime wheel.