FORGET Marmite, there’s a new love-it-or-loathe-it in town … a cocktail made with asparagus.
The seasonal vegetable is one of the key ingredients for the drink which will be available for a limited time in branches of Cote, including its restaurants in Henley and Windsor.
Called Vive Le Asparagus, it uses asparagus flavoured vodka, features an asparagus spear and complements Côte’s spring specials which feature asparagus and have been designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef Steve Allen.
Mixologist and drinks author Dan Whitesidw created the cocktail which also includes Cold Press kiwi and apple juice, Elderflower cordial, and Belu Sparkling water. It is garnished with dried rose petals.
Asparagus is said to be an aphrodisiac, is high in vitamin K, a source of fibre, promotes good bacteria in the gut, and is said to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
It is also highly seasonable, traditionally collected by British farmers from St George’s Day to the Summer solstice.
Mixologist Dan Whiteside said: “The cocktail has the flavour of asparagus, sweetness and floral notes of elderflower, body and acidity of the cold press juice.
“It’s an interesting take on a popular Collins cocktail, using fresh flavours such as apple, ginger and elderflower and combing with the unique flavour of asparagus. The cocktail combines a food that’s big in French cuisine with one of the most popular types of cocktails at this time of year.”
Last month Côte launched its spring menu with a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients to showcase classic French cuisine.
Steve Allen’s new menu additions celebrate La Saison Délicieuse with a collection of timeless dishes, sharing plates, seasonal spritzers and French classics with a Côte twist.
Former Claridges chef Steve has elevated La Cuisine Française at Côte with the new dishes, created with produce from trusted British and French producers with the asparagus for the new specials sourced from a long-term partnership with the Chinn family in the Wye Valley.
“I have been cooking French cuisine since the age of 13 and this menu is a reflection of everything I love about French food in the Spring,” he said. “Our main focus is and always will be about the taste of our food at Cote. Simple, yet complex and delicious.”
The unique cocktail is £9.95, and available until June 14. The spring menu is available in all Cote restaurants including Wokingham’s Broad Street branch, and The Oracle Riverside in Reading.
