bornean spiderhunter

2 oz Cynar
1 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Campari
1/2 oz Passion Fruit Syrup
1/2 oz Lime Juice
1 pinch Salt

Dissolve the salt in the fruit juices, add rest, and shake with a few ice cubes. Strain into a Tiki mug, fill with crushed ice, and garnish with mint (mint sprigs and nasturtium flower).

On two Sunday nights ago, I was in the mood for something light, so I began thinking about the low ABV tropical drinks that I have been making lately with fortified wines and other sub-20% products. Instead of sherry or vermouth, I decided on Cynar and subbed it for rum in Jason Alexander's Commando Bird akin to what was done in the Cynar Colada. To balance the drink better, I added a pinch of salt to keep the bitter flavors in check. For a name, I went with a small jungle bird theme and dubbed this one the Bornean Spiderhunter. Spiderhunters are tiny tropical birds that feed on nectar and insects using their long curved beaks.
The Bornean Spiderhunter shared a peppery floral and mint aroma that preceded a caramel, lime, and passion fruit sip. Next, the salt-muted Cynar came across as minty on the swallow along with orange, pineapple, and passion fruit flavors.