The Elixir of Life cocktail blends the precision of science with the mysteries of nature, mingling fragrant herbs and honey through the method of mixology – a potion that mirrors the brilliant yet doomed experiment of Dr. Frankenstein.
Frankenstein: A Gothic Culinary Journey
In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley weaves a tale of creation and ruin – and most importantly, hunger. Hunger for knowledge, power, love, companionship, and vengeance. To honour this gothic romance masterpiece, we are following the journey of Victor Frankenstein through food – from his days as an inquisitive scientist to his ultimate poetic ruin by the will of his unbridled creation.
Each recipe leads us through Dr. Frankenstein’s and the creature’s story – the frozen Arctic, a candlelit laboratory in Bavaria, the alpine woods and its cozy cottages, and the ultimate final act of vengeance enacted upon Dr. Frankenstein’s bride by the creature. These recipes draw on the landscapes and unique circumstances of the characters, reflecting the dualities defined by Frankenstein – isolation and familial warmth, love and vengeance, innocence and hubris. We invite you to devour these recipes either one at a time, at an autumnal gathering, or at your next book club!
Creation of the Creature
In his dimly lit laboratory, Dr. Frankenstein relentlessly toils away at his secret project – driven by feverish obsession with uncovering the mystery of life. Once informed by a noble curiosity, the doctor is now consumed by a reckless ambition that defies the natural order. Surrounded by chemicals and decay, Dr. Frankenstein stitches together fragments of the dead, planning to regenerate this lifeless matter. Finally, on a cold November evening, he reaches the pinnacle of his masterpiece when a mysterious spark of electricity awakens his creature.
Symbolic of Dr. Frankenstein’s formula for the spark of life, the Elixir of Life cocktail blends the precision of science with the mysteries of nature. Fragrant herbs common in the Swiss alpine and Bavarian regions are infused into sweet honey and blended with botanical gin and a dash of bitters to create a perfectly balanced libation. The smoke from burning thyme swirls within the glass, a remnant of the spark of life that gave birth to Dr. Frankenstein’s greatest achievement and set tragedy in motion.
Ingredients
Gin: The botanicals in gin make it a great choice in this herb infused cocktail.
Honey: Adding straight honey to a cocktail can be difficult, it doesn’t dissolve easily into the cold liquid. However, a honey simple syrup will mix into the cocktail easily.
Herbs: A blend of fresh sage and thyme adds delicate herbal notes to this cocktail. Fresh thyme is also burned to smoke the glass and add a hint of smoke to this cocktail.
Bitters: A dash of bitters adds depth and complexity to this cocktail. I like using Charred Cedar bitters from Wild Muskoka Botanicals which compliments the smoky elements in this cocktail. Another great option is this orange and juniper bitters by Bittered Sling. If you can’t source either of these, choose another botanical aromatic bitters.
Lemon: A splash of lemon juice adds a balancing acidity.
How to this Herb and Honey Cocktail
Make the honey syrup
In a saucepan combine the water and honey. Place over high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey. Add the fresh sage and thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat, cover, and let steep for 20-30 minutes.
Strain the syrup and discard the herbs. Let the syrup cool before using. The syrup will keep for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge.
Smoke the glass
Cut the thyme sprigs and make into a small bundle, about 2 inches in length that will fit under a coupe glass. Have a coupe glass and fireproof plate ready to go. Ignite the thyme holding it in the flame until it is heavily smoking. Place the bundle on the plate and immediately cover it with an upside down coupe glass. It’s ok if there are flames from the thyme, the glass will snuff them out quickly.
Allow the glass to sit for a minute to fill with smoke before lifting it up. Set aside.
Serve the Elixir of Life Cocktail
In a cocktail shaker add the gin, honey herb simple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters. Add ice, then cover and shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a thyme sprig attached to the rim with a small, decorative clip. Light the thyme sprig using a lighter or match and let the flame burn out. Serve immediately and enjoy! and enjoy!
