Dance of the Dragons, A House of the Dragon Cocktail

Fire and Blood take flight with the Dance of the Dragons cocktail, a potent tribute to the epic House of the Dragon. This HBO series, a prequel to Game of Thrones, premieres its second season June 16. We had to honor its fiery characters with the drama of a blend of rums. A bit of sweetness comes from Maggie’s Farm Falernum, balanced by a touch of angostura bitters and a homemade cinnamon simple syrup. Fresh grapefruit and lime juices add a burst of tang, mimicking the clashing factions vying for power and victory. To truly capture the essence of House of the Dragon, a touch of Grande Absente Absinthe is rinsed around the glass. It’s a complex note of royal perfection.

What is House of the Dragon?

Fans of Game of Thrones love this series prequel, House of the Dragon. It takes us back nearly 200 years before Daenerys Targaryen’s campaign to become queen, to the House Targaryen. Witness the dynasty at its peak, their powerful dragons soaring through the skies. Cracks begin to show, however, as a bitter civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, erupts within the family. The show follows the struggle for the Iron Throne between King Viserys I Targaryen’s children, plunging viewers into a world of palace intrigue, epic battles, and a spotlight on the legendary fire-breathing creatures that help make Westeros so captivating.

Dance of the Dragons, A House of the Dragon Cocktail

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• Author: Sarah Cascone

Print Recipe

Description

Fly with the dragons!

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ oz Kraken Black Spiced Rum
• 1 oz Don Q 151 Rum
• ½ oz Maggie’s Farm Falernum
• 1 drop angostura bitters
• ½ cinnamon simple syrup (recipe below)
• ½ oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
• ½ oz fresh squeezed lime juice
• Grande Absente Absinthe
• Grapefruit twist

For the cinnamon simple syrup:

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups filtered water
• 4 Cassia cinnamon sticks

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Instructions

1. Rinse a chilled Coupe glass with absinthe and dump out remaining liquid. 
2. Place the glass back into the refrigerator to continue chilling. 
3. Add all other ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until a frost forms on the shaker.
4. Strain, pour into the chilled Coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a manicured grapefruit twist. 

For the cinnamons simple syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. 
2. Reduce heat and add cinnamon sticks. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat. Allow the syrup to come to room temperature. Then pour into a container. 
4. Refrigerate. This Cinnamon Simple Syrup will last up to 2 weeks as is in the refrigerator or will last longer if you add a tablespoon of vodka or rum. 

What Does Rinsing a Glass With Liquor Do?

In the world of cocktails, a quick rinse with liquor can be a secret weapon. This technique, often used with high-proof spirits like absinthe, isn’t about adding a significant amount of alcohol to the drink. Instead, it’s about creating a thin layer of aroma and flavor on the inside of the glass. A quick swirl with absinthe coats the glass, leaving behind a whisper of anise and herbal notes. Bartenders might use other liquors or aromatic spirits to add a touch of smokiness, citrus, or spice.

Recipe by Sarah Cascone
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photography by Dave Bryce

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