Black Currant Cocktails: Introducing Von Payne Black
Haven’t heard of Black Currants? You are not alone! Black Currants are enchanting petite, deep-purple berries that are a burst of tart, sweet, and slightly earthy flavors typically found in pastries, jams, jellies, and other desserts, but, what about Black Currant cocktails?
That’s where Von Payne Black, comes into play! Von Payne Black is a premium whiskey infused with natural black currant that will take your cocktail game to the next level!
We invite you to join us as we share the rich history of Black Currants – the once-forbidden fruit!
The Rich History of Black Currants
Before we dive into our favorite black currant cocktails, let’s explore the history of the black currant!
This bushing berry bush is native to northern Europe and Asia where black currants have been cultivated for centuries. Historically, they’ve been used not just for their unique taste, but also for the natural properties they possess.
If you are living in the U.S. and haven’t heard of Black Currants that’s because for most of the 20th century, black currants were banned. Not due to any issues with the berry itself, but because of their association with White Pine Blister Rust, a type of plant fungus. The Black Currant plants once acted as carriers for this fungus, which was devastating to white pine trees and the logging industry.
So back in the 1910s, the U.S. federal government banned growing and cultivating black currants to protect the timber industry and white pine forests. This nearly wiped black currants out from American gardens and farms for decades.
Thanks to advancements in plant breeding and cross-genetic breeding this started to make them resistant to the fungus. In 2003 the U.S Government lifted the ban and most states in the U.S. have followed. This once-forbidden fruit is now making a resurgence in contemporary cuisine and now in our whiskey!
A Symphony of Flavors: Black Currants in Cocktails
With an increasing demand for unique and different craft cocktails in mixology, bartenders and enthusiasts alike are always looking for new ways to create drinks that are not only aesthetically pleasing but full of flavor. Here’s where Von Payne Black Whiskey comes into play!
Open your taste buds and imagine this: The deep amber glow of smoky bourbon with a slight woody aroma blending with the sweet, dark, earthy tones of black currants. The result? An Award-Winning Whiskey that is not only visually striking but also offers a unique taste profile. The natural semi-sweet tartness of the black currant cuts through the bite of the traditional burn of bourbon, creating a balanced and refreshing spirit!
With each sip of Von Payne Black, the symphony of dark berry and oaky wood char dances on your palate and keeps you coming back for more. Von Payne Black Cocktails create a perfect balance that resonates with both whiskey traditionalists and those looking for a twist.
It’s not your daddy’s bourbon; it’s a totally different experience.
Crafting the Perfect Black Currant Cocktail
For those eager to craft their signature black currant cocktail using Von Payne Black, here’s a simple recipe to get started:
Von Payne Currant Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
2 oz Von Payne Black Blended Whiskey infused with Natural Black Currant.
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass, combine Von Payne Black Whiskey and Angostura Bitters.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled Old Fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Express the oils from an orange twist over the cocktail by gently twisting it over the glass to release the aroma. Then, drop the twist into the drink.
- Give the cocktail a final gentle stir to combine the flavors.
- Enjoy your Black Currant Old Fashioned!
This cocktail, with its refreshing tanginess, complements the underlying notes of the whiskey beautifully. The dance of flavors between the citrus and the black currant creates a cocktail that is both invigorating and smooth.
Discover More Black Currant Cocktails
Embracing the Future of Cocktails with Black Currant
In an ever-evolving cocktail scene, with mixologists continuously pushing the boundaries of what they can do next, the black currant, especially when intertwined with whiskey, brings a luxurious and sensual vibe to cocktail creation. It’s a nod to tradition, while also embracing the future!
Von Payne Black is proud to stand out as a pioneer in this journey. By being the first to infuse whiskey with natural black currants, it has crafted a drink that is both distinctive and totally different, pushing the boundaries of what is normal and breaking the rules of conformity along the way.
It’s not just about the drink; it’s about the story, the experience, the legacy, and the Pleasure of Payne!
