Welcome back, SOMM&SOMM cocktail enthusiasts, to another delightful edition of the Trendy Cocktails series, where we explore the world of innovative drinks and the intriguing ingredients that make them so special. Today, we’re diving into the lush world of rambutan, the star of our uniquely refreshing concoction, the Jade Rambutan martini-style cocktail!

A Tropical Treasure

First things first, let’s uncover the origins of this exotic fruit that adds a burst of tropical flair to our cocktail. Rambutan, scientifically known as Nephelium lappaceum, is a small, tropical fruit that hails from the Southeast Asian rainforests, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Its name even comes from the Malay word “rambut,” which means “hair,” aptly describing the fruit’s spiky, hairy exterior.

Getting to Know Rambutan

Wasn’t sure what I was looking at when Tammy walked in the door with the latest make-something-from-this-strange-and-unusual-fruit surprise ingredient. It looked like something between a sea urchin and the outer shell on a horse chestnut. Regardless, I was up to the challenge.

– Exterior: Picture a vibrant, red or yellow spiky ball. That’s the rambutan! The spines may look intimidating, but they’re soft and pliable, making them easy to peel.

– Interior: Beneath that exotic shell lies a juicy, translucent flesh. The taste? A harmonious blend of sweet and slightly acidic, often compared to lychee, another tropical delight.

– Seed: At the core of this fruit lies a large, inedible seed. But fear not, once you navigate that, the succulent flesh is yours to enjoy!

Now that we’ve acquainted ourselves with this tropical treasure, let’s dive into how to make our signature Rambutan Syrup – a crucial element of the Jade Rambutan cocktail.

Crafting Rambutan Syrup: Easy and Exotic

Ingredients:

– 1 cup sugar

– 1 cup water

– 12 peeled and pitted rambutan

Instructions:

1. Peel and Pit: Gently remove the spiky skin of the rambutan, revealing the juicy fruit inside. Carefully remove the seed, as we’re only interested in the luscious flesh.

2. Muddle: Place your rambutan into a bowl. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently crush the fruit to release its sweet essence.

3. Create the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and muddled rambutan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.

4. Simmer and Strain: Allow the syrup to simmer for about 5 minutes, infusing the rich rambutan flavor into the syrup. Remove it from the heat and let it cool. Finally, strain the syrup to remove any remaining fruit bits.

And there you have it – your homemade Rambutan Syrup, ready to infuse the Jade Rambutan cocktail with its tropical charm.

The Jade Rambutan Cocktail: A Sip of the Exotic

Now that we’ve unlocked the secret of Rambutan Syrup, let’s put it to good use in our exotic and enticing cocktail.

Ingredients:

– 1 oz. Coconut Rum

– 1 oz. Rambutan Syrup (recipe above)

– ¾ oz. Fresh Lime Juice

– ¼ oz. Midori Melon Liqueur

Instructions:

1. Shake It Up: In a cocktail shaker, combine the coconut rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, and our homemade Rambutan Syrup. Add ice, seal the shaker, and give it a vigorous shake. 

2. Strain and Serve: Strain the delightful concoction into a chilled cocktail glass. Float a touch of Midori Melon Liqueur on top to create the mesmerizing jade hue.

3. Garnish: For an extra touch of exotic charm, garnish with a slice of fresh rambutan or a twist of lime peel.

With the Jade Rambutan cocktail in hand, you’re ready to embark on a tropical taste adventure. The exotic allure of rambutan, blended with the creamy coconut rum and zesty lime, and crowned with the vibrant Midori Melon Liqueur, promises a sip of paradise in every glass.

So, next time you’re looking to add a touch of the tropics to your happy hour, reach for the rambutan and whip up a Jade Rambutan cocktail. It’s a true treasure from the Southeast Asian rainforests, served in style.

Cheers to the exotic and the extraordinary! 😉