Game Cocktails: Grog of Thieves

The lust for adventure is a real wild beast to tame. We chain it in dusty attics and tuck it away into boxes. We feed it the same mundane dry food, hoping the beast will just settle. Like we have. But the faraway coasts keep on calling. Every keepsake is whispering about lands not yet discovered, artifacts not yet unearthed. With an aching heart, we check the quarantine restrictions. Nope. A tiki cocktail is still the only getaway to a tropical island. Shall we taste something… uncharted?

I’d say Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End has aged like fine rum. I crave to taste it again whenever I get an itch for escapism. The final ventures of Nathan Drake take us to the pirate colony of Libertalia, an awe-inspiring settlement, yet a tragic utopia. This location also shelters a weathered tavern, where Nate and Sam sit down for some imaginary grog and a subtle reflection on their life choices. Would their obsession with treasure also lead to their demise?

So my Uncharted cocktail was built on two pillars:

Grog. This drink originated in the 18th century as a sailor’s (allegedly) best weapon against scurvy. To remedy the drunk and disorderly chaos, British Admiral Edward Vernon ordered to dilute rum with water. Eventually, citrus and sugar were added, establishing a true seafarer’s cocktail.

Tropical escape. To take my tastebuds on a proper vacation, I’ve also featured cinnamon, grapefruit, and cocoa. Tiki cocktails are (in)famous for creative garnishes, so I’ve built a little treasure shelter. It’s my nod to Libertalia and its pillaged riches.

Let’s check our ship’s cargo, then.

Cocktail Ingredients:

60 ml (2 oz) Aged Rum
30 ml (1 oz) Cinnamon Syrup (homemade)
23 ml (0.75 oz) Grapefruit Juice
15 ml (0.5) Lime Juice
4 dashes Cocoa Bitters
Garnish: Mint, Lime, Cinnamon, Berries, etc.

Instructions:

1. Using a blender or the Lewis bag with a mallet, crush plenty of ice.
2. Fill a ceramic tiki mug halfway with crushed ice. Set it aside.
3. Pour the cocktail’s ingredients into a Boston shaker. Keep the lime shell for garnish!
4. Add some large chunks of ice into the shaker.
5. Seal and shake for ~10 seconds until frosty.
6. Strain the cocktail into the tiki mug, using a Hawthorne strainer.
7. Fill the remaining space with more crushed ice.
8. Take a bouquet of mint. Lightly smack it on your palm (to release the aromas) and settle it inside the mug. Place a drinking straw nearby.
9. Pour a bit of rum inside the lime shell and settle it on the crushed ice.
10. Garnish the “treasure shell” with cinnamon sticks, berries, edible pearls, etc.
11. Ponder setting your garnish on fire for more Nathan-esque daredevil drama.
12. Ponder your next expedition or treasure haul (even if it’s just online shopping).
13. Escape your troubles till the last pebble of ice!

Suggested Sipping Soundtrack:

For feelz: This beautiful hit of nostalgia… *happy tear*:

For funz: Celtic punk is spot on for sailin’ and drinkin’:

I hope this brings you some respite from routine! It doesn’t always have to be explosions or near-death experiences (sorry, Nate). Sometimes, discovering new flavours can be just as reinvigorating 🙂

Stick around to read about the other game cocktails!

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