Special Events | Fall 2024

IN THE GLASS By Amber Kispert

All About Ombre

Visually stunning layered cocktails are grabbing the attention of guests I n the world of mixology, trends come and go, but some manage to capture our imaginations and tantalize our taste buds in ways that leave a lasting impact. One such trend taking the cocktail scene by storm is the visually stunning and deliciously The anatomy of ombre Ombre, derived from the French word meaning “shaded,” perfectly describes these cocktails that showcase a beautiful transition of colors within a single glass. The key to their striking appearance lies in the careful layering of ingredients with varying densities.

layered ombre cocktail. As vibrant and picturesque as a sunset, these gradient drinks are as much a feast for the eyes (turn to page 4 4 for more on that) as they are for the palate. “Ombre cocktails captivate guests because they offer a visual feast even before the first sip,” says Chris Sanchez (LUX Catering & Events*). “The gradient effect creates a sense of wonder and anticipation, making the drink feel more special and celebratory. In an era dominated by social media, these visually stunning drinks are highly photogenic, making them perfect for sharing and generating buzz.”

Typically, bartenders start with the heaviest ingredient at the bottom and gradually build up to the lightest, creating a seamless gradient effect. However, there are actually two other ways to layer a cocktail: floats and sinkers, whereas a float is a stripe of liquid (whether wine, spirit, bitters, or juice) that is carefully applied to the surface of a completed drink, while a sinker (also poured in last) falls to the bottom of the glass due to the ingredient’s weight and density.

FALL 2024 ■ CATERSOURCE

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