To mark the start of the English asparagus season, French brasserie chain Côte has rolled out an unusual cocktail made using the vegetable at a number of its restaurants.
Called ‘Vive Le Asparagus’, the lurid green cocktail was devised by mixologist and drinks writer Dan Whiteside. It is a concoction asparagus-flavoured Portobello Vodka, Coldpress kiwi and apple juice, elderflower cordial and Belu sparkling water, garnished with a spear of fresh asparagus and a flourish of dried rose petals.
The probably somewhat divisive drink will be available at £9.95 until 14 June at Côte restaurants in Newcastle, Exeter, Kingston, Henley, Solihull, Windsor, and the London restaurants at St. Christopher’s Place, St. Katherine’s Dock, Sloane Square, Hay’s Galleria and the Barbican.
White said: “The cocktail has the flavour of asparagus, sweetness and floral notes of elderflower, body and acidity of the cold press juice.”
“It’s an interesting take on a popular Collins cocktail, using fresh flavours such as apple, ginger and elderflower and combing with the unique flavour of asparagus. The cocktail combines a food that’s big in French cuisine with one of the most popular types of cocktails at this time of year,” explained White.
The unconventional cocktail has also been designed to pair with Côte’s spring menu, which does feature dishes utilising the pointy green vegetable. The asparagus used for specials has been sourced from the Chinn family in the Wye Valley.
In addition to being a good source of fibre, asparagus is high in vitamin K and is also considered an aphrodisiac.
