Falernum - New Item For The Bar

I recently discovered the wonders of John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum.  Falernum is a sweet  tating spirit that is primarily used in Caribbean and tropical drinks. It contains flavors of almond, ginger and/or cloves, and lime.  I recently enjoyed it in a classic rum drink, the Corn n' Oil: (Cruzan Black Strap Rum, John D. Taylor‟s falernum, fee‟s old fashion bitters)

New Tropical - Its In The Foam

Creative bartenders have been importing various techniques from molecular gastronomy for a few years now.  You come to expect this in major metropolitan area, but I certainly did not expect to find this in Maui.  Merriman's in Kapalua has an exceptional offering of cocktails, including a few that incorporate molecular mixology. 

The first cocktail to note is the Tequila & Mango:  Cazadores tequila, Lahaina mango shrub, Hawaiian chili peppers, coconut foam.  I am not a fan of flash over substance, but this really works  The foam adds a nice layer of texture and flavor; first you taste the  rich, slightly sweet, coconut foam, then you taste the sweetness of the mango, the spice of the chili peppers, and the earthiness of the tequila.  Come this summer, I fully intend to copy this recipe!