Todd Hubler
Spices warm the Poppy and the Pear.
On a cold and dreary November evening, few things could be more inviting than the warm, golden glow from the windows of an Italian bistro. Osteria Papavero, the understated but well-loved East Wilson Street eatery, has a cocktail program to match its fabulous food.
With a name that translates to “The Poppy Cafe,” it seems only fitting that one of Papavero’s most popular signature drinks, The Poppy and The Pear, highlights a spirit called Grand Poppy. An American version of a classic aperitivo, the liqueur is made by distilling California poppies along with an unexpected array of organic botanicals including bay leaf, dandelion, geranium, pink peppercorn and cherry bark. Redemption Rye provides a spirit-forward complement to those bittersweet herbal flavors, and St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur lends a crisp, seasonal sweetness to the drink. Garnish with a twist of lemon and enjoy the perfect balance of warming spices and refreshing fruit.
Another Papavero original, Fumo Antico, has rich, smoky notes from Monkey Shoulder blended malt scotch whisky and Lagavulin. The potent spirits are a perfect match for BroVo Jammy sweet vermouth and Meletti 1870, a traditional Italian aperitivo. Satisfying on its own, it’s even more delightful when ordered in tandem with our first recommendation.
