Fisherman's FollyCocktail recipe
Rating
The Fisherman's Folly is a bold and savory cocktail that combines the umami richness of fish sauce with the briny tang of pickle juice. Balanced with sake, gin, fresh grapefruit juice, and a hint of matcha tea powder, this unique drink offers a complex flavor profile for the adventurous palate.
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Shot glass
Ingredients
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Cocktail Colin says:
Fisherman’s Folly is an adventurous whirlpool of flavors that’s not for the faint-hearted: the umami kiss of fish sauce elevates the earthy matcha, while the briny pickle juice keeps company with tangy grapefruit, all buoyed by the silky smoothness of sake and gin; a daring dance of savory and slightly bitter notes sure to intrigue the boldest of taste buds.
Method
How to make a Fisherman's Folly
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- Prepare a rocks glass by rubbing a 2-inch-wide strip of grapefruit peel around the rim, then dipping it into kosher salt to create a salted rim
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- In a small spritz bottle, combine 1 teaspoon of fish sauce with 1 teaspoon of water and spritz the bottom of the prepared glass once with this solution
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- Fill the glass with ice
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- In a cocktail shaker, combine 1½ ounces of sake, 1 ounce of gin, ½ ounce of pickle juice, ½ ounce of fresh grapefruit juice, and ¼ teaspoon of matcha tea powder
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- Fill the shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into the prepared rocks glass
Power tips
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Find out more- For a more integrated umami flavor, lightly toast the matcha tea powder in a dry skillet over low heat for 10-15 seconds to enhance its earthiness before adding it to the shaker.
- Consider using a premium sake with a gently floral note to add depth and complexity to the cocktail. This will balance the savory elements and add a delicate nuance to the flavor.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's

What is the role of fish sauce in the Fisherman's Folly cocktail?
Fish sauce is a key ingredient in the Fisherman's Folly, providing a distinct umami flavor that contributes to the cocktail's bold and savory character. The sauce, made from fermented fish, adds a rich depth and complexity to the drink that balances well with the briny notes from the pickle juice and the herbal undertones of the gin. This cocktail offers a unique tasting experience as the fish sauce works in harmony with the other components to elevate the drink beyond a typical sweet or sour cocktail.

What occasions is the Fisherman's Folly suitable for?
The Fisherman's Folly is perfect for adventurous gatherings or occasions where guests are eager to try something new and bold. Its unique flavor profile makes it a conversation starter at cocktail parties, tasting events, or themed nights such as a seafood dinner or a fusion cuisine evening. Due to its unusual ingredients, it's also fitting for occasions where diverse flavors are celebrated, and it pairs well with cold appetizers and savory tapas.

Can any ingredients in the Fisherman's Folly be substituted?
While each ingredient in the Fisherman's Folly contributes to its distinct flavor, there are a few substitutions that adventurous home bartenders might consider. For instance, if you’re not fond of fish sauce, you might reduce its quantity slightly and add a dash of soy sauce for a milder umami kick. If pickle juice isn't available, a splash of olive brine could offer a similar salty tang. The grapefruit juice can be substituted with another citrus juice, such as lemon or lime, but this will change the cocktail's flavor profile substantially.

How should you properly shake the Fisherman's Folly cocktail?
To craft the perfect Fisherman's Folly, it's important to shake the ingredients well to ensure they are fully mixed and chilled. Begin by adding the sake, gin, pickle juice, grapefruit juice, green tea, and fish sauce into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. The ice will cool the mixture rapidly, and the forceful shaking will ensure the green tea powder is fully dissolved and distributed evenly, contributing to the drink's consistency. Strain the mixture into a shot glass to serve.

What food pairs well with the Fisherman's Folly?
The Fisherman's Folly pairs beautifully with dishes that echo its bold and savory notes. Think of serving it with sushi or sashimi, where the sake and fish sauce complement the flavors of the fresh fish. It also works well with charcuterie boards that contain smoked fish or pickled vegetables, bridging the gap between rich, cured meats and tangy condiments. Delicate seafood appetizers such as shrimp cocktail or oysters on the half shell enhance the cocktail’s freshness, creating a pleasing harmony of flavors.
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