The Crimson Permanent Assurance · Forage

By Eric Twardzik · 08/23/2019

“[It’s] an updated take on the often-maligned frozen Strawberry Daiquiri,” says Forage bar manager Joe Choiniere. He’s referring to Crimson Permanent Assurance, a cocktail from the Cambridge restaurant that manages to capture a Strawberry Daiquiri’s fruity flavor without a blender in sight.

In keeping with its roots, the drink relies on rum for its base spirit. Choiniere uses locally made Privateer Silver Reserve, a choice that fits nicely with the cocktail’s name (it’s inspired by an absurdist pirate-themed sketch from Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life).

The rum is joined in equal parts by unsweetened strawberry juice, Amaro di Angostura, and a sweet vermouth from Spain’s Basque country (Choiniere notes that Cinzano works in a pinch). The quality of the first ingredient is crucial: Choiniere suggests home bartenders purchase juicy organic strawberries if possible.

Finally, the drink is rounded out by a simple quarter-ounce of lime juice and a float of Angostura bitters. Choiniere uses purple horsemint (a.k.a. lemon mint) to garnish the drink but says that a sprig of spearmint will do just fine.

The cocktail is just as fruity as a drink made with fresh strawberry juice should be. But it’s tempered by vermouth, amaro, and bitters. Like a Daiquiri, you’d still enjoy sipping it poolside—but you’ll want to take your sweet time and enjoy it.

Crimson Permanent Assurance
¾ ounce Privateer Silver Reserve Rum

¾ ounce Amaro di Angostura
¾ ounce Yzaguirre Rojo Reserva Vermouth
¾ ounce unsweetened strawberry juice
¼ ounce lime juice
4-5 dashes Angostura Bitters
Mint sprig, for garnish

Add all ingredients except bitters and mint to a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Double strain into a goblet over crushed ice. Garnish with float of bitters, followed by mint.

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