Rich Marriott, the meteorologist at King 5, is well-known for his passion for researching and crafting cocktails for friends and family. In a recent segment, he showcased three cocktails representing countries with athletes at the Olympics, each drink capturing a unique cultural essence.
First up is the Pisco Sour, a classic Peruvian cocktail that has sparked a friendly rivalry between Peru and Chile, both of which claim its origins. This drink is said to have been created in Lima during the early 1900s by an American bartender who adapted the Whiskey Sour using pisco, a grape brandy distilled in the region since the 1500s. The cocktail’s original version combined pisco, lime, and sugar, but over time, the addition of egg white produced its characteristic frothy top, enhanced with a few drops of aromatic bitters.
Next, Marriott introduced the Dawa, translated from Swahili as “medicine.” Originating in Nairobi during the 1980s, this cocktail gained fame at the Carnivore Restaurant, a popular destination for safari travelers. Although its roots may be traced back to Brazil’s Caipirinha, the Dawa employs vodka instead of cachaça and uses honey instead of sugar. A unique method of preparation involves a wooden stick, known as a “Dawa stick,” which patrons use to mix honey into their drink.
Lastly, Marriott chose to feature the Negroni, a winter cocktail that reportedly originated in Florence in 1919. A nobleman requested that his Americano cocktail be made stronger, leading to the creation of this beloved drink. The Negroni consists of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, resulting in a balanced and aromatic experience that has remained popular for over a century.
Cocktail Recipes
Pisco Sour
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 2 oz (60 ml) Pisco (preferably Peruvian)
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- ¾–1 oz (22–30 ml) simple syrup, adjusted to taste
- 1 fresh egg white
- Ice
- 2–3 drops aromatic bitters (like Angostura)
Instructions
- Add pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker. Shake without ice for 10-15 seconds to create foam.
- Add ice and shake again for another 10-15 seconds until chilled.
- Double strain into a chilled glass, adding bitters on the foam.
Kenyan Style Dawa
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
- 1 fresh lime
- 1–2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
- Crushed or cubed ice
Instructions
- Cut lime into wedges. Place in a glass with rind facing down.
- Add honey and gently muddle to release juice and dissolve the honey.
- Fill the glass with ice, pour vodka over the ice, and stir with a Dawa stick until sweetened to preference.
Negroni
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 1 oz (30 ml) gin
- 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
- 1 oz (30 ml) Campari
- Ice
- Orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for 20-25 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice, garnish with twisted orange peel.
These cocktails not only reflect the cultures behind them but also offer a delightful way to celebrate the spirit of the Olympics.