Inspiration for Vanilla Sea

Vanilla, being one of the most common “comfort” flavors, offers a wonderful foundation to create an evocative cocktail experience. The sensuous flavor of vanilla is partnered in this case with feisty ginger, itself boasting an aphrodisiac reputation too.

The recipe worked towards a light balance, both toward taste and color, the latter evocative of salt water – the sea. The subtle hue also aims to disguise the ginger “surprise.”

In contrast, the raspberry garnish adds a splash of energy with its rich hue, while rounding off the uplifting citrus notes (especially those of the orange zest). The curves of the sage leaf add to the movement of the creation, like the faithful waves by the seaside, and balance, like the proportions in nature’s designs.

The name reaches out to the appeal of the unpretentious ocean waves, and reflects the romantic simplicity of the theme. The “Vanilla Sea” experience offers a twist, as one “discovers” the ginger while being intrigued by the aroma of the sage leaf.

With calming sage and a quiet surprise, “Vanilla Sea” will open your mind and senses.

Candle in the Wind

Singapore Business Visitor, Feb 2006 issue.

What do you think you’d offer as a cocktail to Marilyn Monroe?

Well, my brief impression of Marilyn Monroe is of a short & spectacular life, perpetually seeking happiness. More than sensuous, she loved & dreamt fiercely. Would name the cocktail “Candle in the Wind” (the song Elton John & Bernie Taupin wrote as a tribute to her in 1973).

Elements would include vanilla (Absolut Vanilla Vodka), one of the base notes of her favourite perfume (Chanel No.5), and Florida grapefruits, adding a bittersweet note not unlike her life.

Have chosen to top this off with Nivole Moscato d’Asti, with its signature frizzante (slightly sparkling) like a memory of her favourite drink, Dom Perignon 1953. Its white peach nose reminds us of her vulnerability, and like vanilla, of her sensuality.

Voluptuous curves cut the space in which this cocktail is served, its salmon-pink hue evocative of her sweet, dream-like & tender qualities (Nippon Colour & Design Research Institute: colour psychology). A yellowish-beige candle accompanies this, burning for a moment. Both would be presented on a black oro stone coaster with classic white lines, a tribute to her life, and departure (also some of her favourite colours). Like her, the candle garnish is not what one expects.

“Candle in the Wind”, a Provocachic™ cocktail tribute to Marilyn Monroe.

“… For Mercy has a human heart,
Pity a human face,
And Love, the human form divine,
And Peace, the human dress. …” The Divine Image, by William Blake (1757-1827).

Summer Bloom: A Childhood Memory

Corporate Cocktail created by Provocachic™ ~ Summer Bloom

Summer Bloom was inspired by “bug juice,” a favorite childhood drink of the charismatic founder of one of our corporate clients (a financial services MNC), researched through his book (Bloomberg by Bloomberg, Chapter 2).

This was most appropriate as the founder’s personality was very strongly reflected in the company philosophy, its styles & its people. Though the founder was no longer with the company, many of them related to him and his book.

Its deep red hue (from pure & organic grape juice) represented the initial Bloomberg color, while the floral notes of hibiscus extract balances the flavors. This subtle aroma also brings the drinker towards the ‘flower’ (physalis) garnish with an orange centre, the new Bloomberg corporate color. The alcoholic base is similar to the ‘long island ice tea’ cocktail, but deceptively sweetened with lime cordial. The simplicity of the flavors focused the attention on the story.

Symbolic of the maturing company, while remembering its roots, SummerBloom is truly a perfect cocktail for celebrating the family spirit of the client. *A 5-metres long bar was custom-built for the project.

About Provocachic™

Established in April 2002 by Damian SIM, its clientele have included those in the financial (Bloomberg), hospitality (EastWest Bar), arts (Singapore Arts Museum) and fashion design (felt) industries. Provocachic™ has been covered by several publications, such as Singapore Tatler, DARE, Harper’s Bazaar, Her World, Urban, CUBES, I-S, Seventeen, Newman, Singapore Business Visitor and Wine & Dine.

The bespoke recipes Provocachic™ creates for the individual, apart from reflecting the gastronomic preferences, would also represent the psychological aspects like personality, aspirations, and milestone life events. In addition to research, interviews shall be conducted with the person in question, and others of significant influence on their lives.

Brands & companies, apart from interviews with the key persons, would undergo an analysis of its vision & strategies. Additional strategic insights would also be offered by Provocachic™, from which the bespoke cocktails created are but creative expressions that deliver value in this direction.

Provocachic™ offers through-the-line consultancy for hospitality projects, from market analysis & brand strategy; to art direction; system, ergonomic & aesthetic design; to signature cocktail menus. And of course, all projects also take into considerations the cultural context & setting.

Provocachic™ passionately believes these analytical elements, together with the bespoke epicurean & aesthetic aspects, offers significant opportunities for a unique emotional branding tool. Or for the individual, a truly special gift: great memories shared with family & friends.

Mr Damian SIM
Mobile: +65.9.68.78.274
damiansbc@gmail.com
65A Neil Road, Singapore 088897