September 18, 2010: Cicchetti offers a cocktail class most months. This one focused on making homemade infusions to create unique flavors at home. For the full report and a recipe, click here.
Bartender/instructor Chris Bollenbacher is a big proponent of making your own bitters and infusions at home, noting "It has always been my experience even when a commercial alternative is available it rarely compares to a hand crafted infusion."
The "Onycha" (the rum, lime juice, clove tincture and simple syrup) It was my favorite. It was so bright and light, and yet had the depth of the clove and the slight twist of the cardamom.
Peach spice cocktail paired peach & prosciutto bite
Chris was kind enough to share his recipe for the Lime-Cardamom Rum used in the Onchya, so I gave it a spin at home.
This recipe uses the husks from green cardamom, so a good way to use them up if you're using the seeds.