I think it's fair to say that 2020 has not been the best year for travelling. But, the beauty of food and drinks is that it allows us to explore the world through our tastebuds. I've teamed up with Distillerie Mariana to offer you guys a cocktail hour around the world. Every week a new country to visit and new recipes to try. Using fresh and local products while exploring different cultures is definitely the best way to travel this summer and I hope you guys will love this series as much as I do.

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A pioneer in the micro-distillery industry here in Quebec, Distillerie Mariana was founded in 2014 in Louiseville. They produce a long range of products from gins to rhums to even whiskeys. Their first product, Canopée, a forest gin, explains why they chose « Mariana » as their name. Derived from the latin term black spruce, Mariana was chosen to symbolize the distinguished flavors of their first creation and to symbolize the beauty of the nature surrounding Quebec! Their goal is to make us discover the beauty of our territory while respecting our surroundings.

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Fourth Destination

We are traveling to the other side of the world to a place that is definitely on the top of my list for post-Covid: Asia. Such a beautiful, unique and diverse region of the World. As I have never been to Asia (except for Bali which is in southern Asia, Indonesia) I have decided to use a cocktail and recipe that is not specific to a country but definitely related to Asian flavors.

Matcha, which has become such a trendy drink today, actually has thousands of years of history. We decided to use it on a twist of a classic matcha highball using gin rather than whiskey! On the other hand, satay, originates from Indonesia as a nod to the typical street food with screwed meats and such. After being introduced in the Indonesia by Mexicans, Spanish and Portuguese, peanuts became a popular ingredients used in sauces. Even though this is more of an American twist on asian flavors, it does remain one of my favorite dishes and that is why we decided on this specific dish.

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Ingredients

MATCHA GIN TONIC COCKTAIL

1. 2 oz Violette
2. 1/2 freshly squeezed lime juice
3. 1/2 oz simple syrup
4. 1/2 teaspoon of matcha powder
5. 4 oz of soda or tonic

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Preparation

MATCHA GIN TONIC COCKTAIL

1. In your highball glass, add all your ingredients for mixing.
2. Add ice to both your glasses and pour the drink.

For this drink, we used the Violette gin which has floral, coriander, cardamom, rosemary, etc.. aromas that combines so nicely with the flavor of matcha! It's such a refreshing, unique and high end distillery product that you definitely won't find elsewhere. For any gin lovers out there this is definitely one you want to try!!!

Ingredients (Makes for 4 portions)

CHICKEN SATAY

1. 700 grs of chicken strips
2. 3 tablespoons of soya sauce
3. 3 tablespoons of apple vinegar
4. 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
5. 2 tablespoons of olive oil
6. 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
7. 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger
8. 1/2 teaspoon of salt
9. 1/2 cup of cold water
10. 1 teaspoon of Siracha sauce
11. 1/4 cup of crunchy peanut butter
12. 1 teaspoon of garlic flower

PEANUT SAUCE

1. 75 grams of smooth peanut butter
2. 1/4 cup of water
3. 1 tablespoon of apple vinegar
4. 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
5. 1 tablespoon of soya sauce
6. 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
7. 1 teaspoon of Sambal Oelek
8. 2 tablespoons of finely chopped peanuts

Preparation

CHICKEN SATAY

1. Mix all the marinade ingredients in one bowl.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 3-5 hours in half the marinade. Keep the other half to brush the chicken during cooking.
3. Place the chicken strips on skewers.
4. Cook on high heat on the grill.
5. Cut fresh coriander to garnish.

PEANUT SAUCE

1. In a pan, mix all ingredients together except chopped peanuts.
2. Place on low heat, until the texture is homogeneous.
3. Add in chopped peanuts and mix.

Bon Appetit and Safe Travels!