As Founder of Drink Kong, one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, and a bartender of over 21 years Patrick Pistolesi knows his way around flavours, combinations and cocktails.
He recently opened Italy’s first gin bar, he has won and judged international competitions, consulted all over the world and has been brand ambassador for well-known spirits brands.
Patrick has now taken that experience into his latest venture as Master Mixologist at NIO Cocktails, creating bar-quality, ready-to-serve cocktails selecting and mixing a menu of classics as well as his own signature house cocktails.
“For the NIO range of premium ready-to-savour cocktails, I wanted to replicate the fine-drinking taste experience of a true Italian cocktail bar. I have selected the highest quality spirits and liquids with no need for preservatives, colouring or added flavourings. I hope you enjoy them – and enjoy yourself. Salute,” Patrick said.
And while much of the NIO’s range is classic combinations like Espresso Martini and Whiskey Sour, he has shared his thoughts on some not-so-classic flavour concoctions that actually work.
Patrick said: “That’s the great thing about being a mixologist. You can experiment with different flavour profiles until you find the right one, so I wanted to share the lessons I have learned about ‘ad-hoctails’ – drinks containing two or three easy-to-obtain ingredients. These ad-hoctails you can shake up to create a drink when needed.”
So, what are these unusual combinations?
1. Pickleback (Whiskey & Pickle Juice)
Patgrick said: “As the legend goes, this peculiar drink originated in Brooklyn 15 years ago when bartender Reggie Cunningham was eating pickles at the Bushwick Country Club, and a woman from Florida came in. The two shot some Old Crow, a Kentucky-made bourbon whiskey, followed by some McClure’s pickle juice which happened to be created by Bob McClaure in his kitchen two doors down.
“Pickle brine with its acidic note works wonders to cut down the heat from whiskey leaving behind a smokey flavour on your tongue. Be careful though; the pickled chaser can work a little too well making this combination deceptively strong.”
2. Adult Chocolate Milk (Chocolate Milk & Vodka)
“Okay, this one sounds a little odd, but it’s truly one for those who are young at heart. While we’re not entirely sure of the origins of this concoction, it’s super easy to make: combining two shots of vodka with 175 ml of chocolate milk. It’s not fancy, but it is easy, quick and still brings plenty to the table,” Patrick said.
“Rather than breaking out the bar tools for this vodka-based drink, you can add the spirit directly into the carton and shake. This method combines your ingredients without the need for a separate shaker or strainer. For an even sweeter drink, try mixing it with vanilla-flavoured vodka,”
3. Chocolate Cake Shot (Frangelico & Absolut Citron)
“This marriage between hazelnut and lemon flavours might not be the most obvious of alcohol combinations. It works incredibly well and does a great job of emulating the taste of a birthday cake, hence the name.
“This combination is most enjoyable as a shot, mixing 28 ml of Frangelico, a sweet Italian hazelnut-flavoured liqueur, with 14 ml of Absolut Citron Vodka. Dust the rim of the glass with sugar and finish by biting into a lemon. For an even fancier cocktail version, mix the spirit and liqueur with cream, cinnamon, lemon, sugar syrup and vanilla extract, shake and strain into a cocktail glass and enjoy.”
4. Hot Toddy (Tequila & Chamomile Tea)
Patrick said: “The earthy, floral flavour of chamomile soothes the heat of tequila in an easy, comforting spin on the hot toddy. Tequila may not be your spirit of choice, but give it a chance when poured into chamomile tea, and you will be greeted with one of the great unsung alcohol combinations of our time.
“Simply mix a dash of hot water with a teaspoon of honey (depending on how sweet you like it!). Add 42 ml of tequila and two chamomile tea bags, pour into a cup and garnish with a slice of lemon. This drink can be enjoyed hot or left to cool in the fridge overnight to be sipped on a warm summer day.”
5. Avocado Margarita (Tequila, Lime Juice, Agave Syrup & Avocado)
“Avocado face masks, avocado pudding, avocado margarita – is there anything this fruit doesn’t pair well with?
“All you’ll need is a few simple ingredients, including a very ripe avocado, lime juice, tequila and agave syrup (which can be found in any good-stocked pantry!). Simply peel and chop one avocado, add one teaspoon of agave, 118 ml of tequila and the juice of a lime and let it sit for 15 minutes before popping it into the blender with some ice and voila – a simple, healthy and delicious cocktail all without a trip to the supermarket.”
6. Dark ‘n’ Stormy (Light Rum, Dark Rum, Lime Juice, Maple Syrup & Ginger Beer)
Patrick said: “This drink has ties to the sailing community and was discovered just after World War I. It’s believed the Royal Navy Officer’s Club ran a Ginger Beer factory and soon realised a good dash of rum paired perfectly with this mixer. The name Dark ‘n’ Stormy was coined by a sailor who commented that it was the colour of a cloud that only a fool would sail beneath.
“It’s made with 30 ml of light and dark rum, 120 ml of ginger beer, 15ml of lime juice and a dash of maple syrup (you can also create your own sugar syrup by boiling water and sugar!). And you don’t have to be on island time to enjoy this simple but delicious cocktail.”
NIO Cocktails is the brainchild of Luca Quagliano and Alessandro Palmarin and the brand aims to become a leading innovator in the world of mixology, bringing its premium ready-to-drink cocktails to every place and occasion. The concept behind NIO is simple: just shake, tear, pour and NIO stands for Needs Ice Only.
