Posted
June 09, 2023
On the lighter end of the flavor spectrum, there’s Fino and Manzanilla Sherries. “These biologically aged Sherries complement briny and bright flavors,” notes Laura Unterberg, head bartender at The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club in Nashville, Tennessee. “Melon, olive, tarragon, and mint are all standbys.” At Corrida, The Rebujito ($12) by general manager Joshua Link features Alvear Fino Sherry, Sprite lemon-lime soda, and muddled mint. Dayton points out that thanks to the salty and briny notes found in Fino and Manzanilla, these styles also play well with umami flavors and with gin and vodka in riffs on Martinis. At The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club, Unterberg’s Sunomo Smash ($14) and The Devil You Know ($15) both take inspiration from traditional Martini builds with different flavor results: The former is meant to taste similar to a Japanese vinegar-based cucumber salad, mixing Lustau Fino Sherry, Opihir gin, and house-made cucumber rice wine shrub, while the latter has flavors reminiscent of a Paloma, blending Aurora Manzanilla Sherry, Patrón Silver Tequila, Giffard Crème de Pamplemousse Rose pink grapefruit liqueur, and Salers aperitif.