Dolce Vita Liqueur Essence 20 ml

Dolce Vita Liqueur Essence 20 ml

The sweet life in a bottle. Dolce Vita gives you one of the most distinctive liqueur styles on the back bar – the sun-yellow vanilla and herb liqueur that nobody can quite describe but everybody likes. The flavour is an intriguing balancing act between sweet, creamy vanilla and an entire herb garden of anise, juniper and spices. It is both an elegant after-dinner sip and a secret ingredient that lifts a simple drink into something memorable.

Behind the yellow colour hides an unusually complex composition of flavours. Where many liqueurs settle for a single leading taste, this style builds on some thirty herbs and spices, with vanilla and aniseed as its two supporting pillars. That is why it never becomes one-dimensional.

Colour & Appearance

The colour is a luminous golden yellow, like melted butter or late-summer sun. The liqueur is dense and glossy, and runs slowly down the inside of the glass.

Nose

The nose is sweet and inviting. Vanilla – warm and round, as in a good custard – is the first thing to greet you. Close behind come star anise and liquorice, followed by lemon peel, juniper and lavender. A cool note of peppermint and a touch of cinnamon and ginger complete an aroma that is creamy and herb-fresh at the same time.

Palate

The palate follows the same pattern. The vanilla settles softly over the tongue, sweet and full, before the anise steps forward with its fresh liquorice note. Then the herbs arrive one by one: juniper, sage, mint, lavender and a glimpse of citrus. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth. The mouthfeel is silky smooth, and the liqueur is sweet without ever turning heavy, thanks to the herbal freshness that keeps pushing back.

Finish

The finish is long and soft. Vanilla and anise fade out together, with a cool, lightly peppery herbal note lingering longest of all.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit plus sugar. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished liqueur. Instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• As a digestif, neat or over ice, alongside a cup of espresso.
• Floated on top of vodka and orange juice – the seventies classic that has made a comeback.
• A splash in hot coffee, topped with lightly whipped cream.
• With cream and white chocolate liqueur in a smooth dessert drink.
• Drizzled over vanilla ice cream, panna cotta or fresh strawberries.

About the Essence

Dolce Vita is a must for anyone building a complete drinks cabinet. The yellow vanilla liqueur is called for in many classic recipes, and with the essence you will always have it to hand. Sugar is needed when mixing, to give the liqueur its proper sweetness and body.

In mixed drinks the liqueur is often used as a seasoning rather than as a base. One to two centilitres is enough to give a cocktail its characteristic note of vanilla and aniseed. Try swapping the sugar syrup in a sour for Dolce Vita, too – the result is rounder, more herbal and considerably more exciting.