“The journey is the thing.” ― Homer

We are taking a journey this week to ancient Greece, a journey back in time and place, to the realm of the great heroes and gods. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are two of the greatest epic poems of all time, full of some of the greatest tales of all time

In the Iliad, the gods on Mount Olympus drink nectar from their golden chalices as they toast one another, watching the mortals below wage war and endure all manner of suffering in the name of the god’s entertainment and folly. Here is a more modest toast to this Odyssey of a box, originally created in partnership with Rosewood Hotel London and the Botanist Gin for a special pop up bar they held in the courtyard called the Botanist Greenhouse.

“Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile” ― Homer

The Odyssey Cocktail features gin infused with fresh green cardamom and rooibos tea. In place of the rooibos I substituted a similar and worthy replacement, hibiscus tea, to retain the essential flavors and bright color. One additional ingredient also adds an interesting and delicious touch – Italicus, a sweet bergamot liqueur. The drink takes you on an Odyssey of flavors in the most delightful way. It will certainly sooth the savage beast, and might help you find your own Muse along the way. Cheers!

The Odyssey Cocktail at the Botanist Greenhouse, Rosewood London

100ml gin (originally the Botanist) infused with cardamom

50ml lime juice

50ml simple syrup

20ml Italicus

10g rooibos tea (or dried hibiscus)

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite coup. Garnish with mint leaves, a viola flower, grapefruit wedge and cardamom. Or a citrus peel Minotaur. This recipe makes two cocktails.

For more about the epic Scriptum Cube see:

Boxes and Booze:A Puzzling Odyssey