Cruise-Inspired Cocktail Recipes to Try at Home: Legend Reviver

Wade Cleophas from Dinogo Escape triumphed over 2500 contenders from 13 different cruise lines to claim the title of Bacardi's Legacy Cruise Competition Bartender of the Year. His award-winning drink, Legend Reviver, draws inspiration from spices reminiscent of exotic travels, making it the ideal refreshment for a cruise vacation. Smooth and well-balanced, it features BACARDÍ® OCHO (8) ANOS, star anise-infused sweet vermouth, caramel/cinnamon syrup, a few drops of whiskey barrel-aged bitters, and a light mist of absinthe. For those eager to try the Legend Reviver before their Dinogo cruise, here’s how to craft this cocktail at home:

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 oz BACARDÍ® OCHO (8) ANOS
• 0.75 oz Star Anise Infused Sweet Vermouth
• 0.25 oz Caramel/Cinnamon Syrup
• 3 Drops of Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters
• Mist of Absinthe
• Garnish: Lemon Peel and Star Anise

Infusion and Syrup Preparation:

• Infusion: 12 Star Anise pods steeped in 1 Liter of Sweet Vermouth for 8 hours
• Syrup: 2 parts Monin Caramel syrup mixed with 1 part Monin Cinnamon syrup

Instructions:

1. Mist the serving glass with Absinthe and set it aside
2. Combine Bacardi 8, Vermouth, Syrup, and Bitters in a mixing glass
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice until about 3/4 full
4. Stir until all ingredients are well chilled
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared serving glass
6. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and a star anise pod

Cheers!