New Year Libations: Bastille’s Pastry War

This rich libation is a little bit Mexican and a little bit French.

Bastille's Pastry War Cocktail. Photo by Ashley Genevieve.

Crave Factor:

Created by Charles Veitch and Erik Carlson —  two renowned Bastille bartenders — the Pastry War combines the ruggedness of straight tequila with the refinement of a martini. The vermouth and Chartreuse enhance the Milagro Blanco’s flavor, yet also manage to reduce its bite.  The result is a sophisticated, subtle cocktail with refreshing hints of citrus and celery.

The Not So Secret Recipe:

• 1½  ounces Milagro Blanco
• ½  ounce Dolin Dry Vermouth
• ½  ounce Yellow Chartreuse
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 2 dashes celery bitters
• Garnish: lemon zest

Measure ingredients in mixing glass. Add ice, stir 35 times and strain mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

Fun Fact:

The name “Pastry War” dates back to 1838, when civil unrest in Mexico led to widespread panic. Monsieur Romentel, a French pastry chef who lived in Mexico City, complained to King Louis-Philippe of France that his bakery was looted by a mob. The French throne demanded compensation but Mexico’s president, Anastasio Bustamante, refused. The conflict escalated into a French invasion of Mexico later that year. When the British intervened in March 1839, Romentel was paid for his damages and the Pastry War abruptly ended.

Bastille Cafe & Bar | 5307 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle | (206) 453-5014