Inspiration for Blood Brothers

April’s theme of artichokes and tarragon threw my palate off balance due to their unfamiliarity, especially the former. To my knowledge, there were no restaurants in town that served artichokes as a main, nor did it feature prominently even when it was used (which by itself is a rare case here in Singapore). Artichokes are also quite a curious item, where one is not exactly sure what it is (a flower bud, actually).

As with many of the themes featured so far at The Gilded Fork, artichokes have an aphrodisiac reputation, and their alter ego at the bar comes in the form of the liqueur Cynar. An intriguing effect of eating artichokes, however, is that they leave a sweet taste in the mouth that affects subsequent flavors on the palate, so I passed on them for April’s cocktail.

As for tarragon the “dragon herb”, I had not tried any dishes in which it featured prominently, but am a bit more familiar with its anise flavor. In fact, this particular flavor is seldom seen in the cuisines in Singapore, and likely experienced by most Asians through the anise-flavored Sambuca liqueur. Interestingly, the plant’s roots, if not divided regularly, would actually start to strangle themselves (definitely a freedom loving herb!). Used by the ancient Greeks as a painkiller (due to a compound called eugenol) for toothaches, it was also known as the “soldiers’ herb” for its anesthetic and perceived anti-venom qualities.

The thought of soldiers brought to mind inspirational battles fought against great odds, such as Cinco de Mayo, the legend of the 300 Spartans, and the archetypal David versus Goliath story. Along these lines, coriander seeds (actually fruits) came to mind, as they were once used by soldiers to prevent wound infections. Coriander seed’s wonderfully uplifting floral/citrus notes gave the anise-flavored tarragon a more appealing dimension.

With wars come crimson images, a hue that had inspired the namesake of the Sicilian blood orange. The Moro variety was selected for its “full-blooded” color. From the Mexican battle mentioned, Agavero (the tequila liqueur) came to mind. Its main flavor component, the Damiana flower (yes, an aphrodisiac too, albeit an ancient Mayan one), was also known to stir up emotions - a fine complement to the blood oranges used. Sweet with a hint of raspberry, blood oranges are also known as one of the most nutritious types of oranges.

The last element in the recipe comes from the “blood” of the maple tree – maple syrup. An American Indian heritage, it completed the recipe inspired by the courage and sacrifices of warriors throughout history. This stirring theme of brothers-in-arms fighting against all odds led to the evocative “Blood Brothers” cocktail, served in a pair of shots.