Get ready to unwind for the weekend with Absent Stars, a whimsical, tropical cocktail from New Orleans mixologist Nick Detrich. Detrich breathes new life into the popular 20th century tiki movement at his Crescent City restaurant and bar, Cane & Table, a semifinalist for our 2015 JBF Outstanding Bar Program award. Serving up bites and beverages that hint at the transfer of spices, sugar, and rum between island nations and the rest of the world, Cane & Table honors the influence of Caribbean cuisine and culture in New Orleans.
With his Absent Stars creation, Detrich revamps a classic tiki drink by highlighting the bold white grapefruit notes and tart passion fruit flavors that keep this sultry, spicy sipper in the tropical zone, while adding Campari for the bitter component and a touch of Apry (a stone fruit liqueur) for the sweet. Regardless of whether you're heading to the Caribbean (or New Orleans) anytime soon, this vibrant tiki drink can trick your palate into thinking you’re relaxing on a white-sand beach, umbrella drink in hand. Get the recipe (and start your staycation) here.
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Hilary Deutsch is editorial assistant at the James Beard Foundation. Find her on Instagram.
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