For the tough and trigger-happy

In my Perfect Serve series, I will take you on a trip around the world in search of cocktail perfection. The ninth part of our journey is dedicated to Top Gun Company, a drink for the tough and trigger-happy.

Like most of us, I like myself some good company. Fancy birds, loud birds, modest birds, quiet birds – any living thing that’s authentic and arouses my curiosity. My cocktails are meant to unite, to be a bridge between rebellious spirits and unusual characters. Top Gun Company combines trigger-happy toughness with good-natured gentleness.

Top Gun is, of course, one of the biggest movies of the eighties. Mr Tom Cruise became a superstar in 1986 thanks to Martin Scorsese’s The Color Of Money, but mainly because of this blockbuster that exceeded all expectations. His portrayal of an equally reckless and skilled pilot by the name of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell made unapologetic masculinity acceptable again. There’s nothing wrong with a little bravado every now and then, right?

Even more that referencing an unforgettable movie, Top Gun Company is a salute to the quality of the ingredients: Smith & Cross rum, Luxardo cherry liqueur and The Bitter Truth crème de violette. Did I forget something? Ah yes, a certain delicate gin from Amsterdam. All of the elements in this daring drink are unique in their own way, and all of them are top of their class – with flying colours. Combined they are the company you’ve always been looking for. I know, for I’ve still got the taste dancing on my tongue…

Ingredients

40 ml Sir Edmond Gin

20 ml lime juice

10 ml Smith & Cross Rum

10 ml Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur

10 ml The Bitter Truth crème de violette

Glass

Rocks

Method

Shake and strain over crushed ice, garnish with violet and blackberry