Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster
Ingredients
- 10 fresh Basil leaves
- 2⁄3 oz Tito's Vodka
- 2⁄3 oz Black raspberry liqueur
- 1⁄2 oz Cointreau triple sec liqueur
- 1⁄6 oz Grand Marnier or other cognac orange liqueur
- 1 2⁄3 oz Cranberry juice
- 1 2⁄3 oz Strawberry puree
Method
Glassware:
Serve in a Martini (large 10oz) glass
Prepare:
- Select and pre-chill a MARTINI (LARGE 10OZ) GLASS.
- Prepare garnish of ground black pepper.
Method:
- SHAKE all ingredients with ice.
- STRAIN into glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish:
- Dust with freshly ground black pepper.
History:
Based on the Basil Grande, this recipe for the legendary Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster was created circa 2011 by Christos Chouseas at his Bar 42 in Athens, Greece – a bar where the work of Douglas Adams influenced many of the drink names.
In Adams' thought-provoking and amusing book, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the number 42 is the "answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything", while the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster is considered by the Guide to be the "Best Drink in Existence."
According to the guide, the original Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster was invented by ex-President of the Universe Zaphod Beeblebrox. "After two of those babies, the dullest, most by-the-book Vogon will be up on the bar in stilettos, yodeling mountain shanties and swearing he's the king of the Gray Binding Fiefdoms of Saxaquine."
Review:
Orange, basil and red berries laced with vodka makes for a well-balanced, easy-drinking fruity cocktail - arguably too easy for a drink titled Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster which is said to be like "having your brains smashed in by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick." Remember, Beeblebrox advises, "never drink more than two Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters unless you are a thirty ton mega elephant with bronchial pneumonia."
