Northern Rice
Refreshing and subtly sweet, with notes of pandan and sticky rice, custard, and shiso.
Inspired by: Berwick's Bird of Paradise (Houston)
Day-O' Fashioned
Tropical Old-Fashioned: Choeng Doi Blanc with banana, coffee, and bitters. Funky and rich.
- Complexity
- 4/5
- Alcohol level
- Strong
- Type
- Spirit-Forward
- Preparation
- Stirred
- Glass
- Old Fashioned
- Ice
- Large Cube
Ingredients
Choeng Doi Blanc45 ml1.5 oz
Rye whiskey15 ml0.5 oz
Dark rum15 ml0.5 oz
Banana liqueur7.5 ml0.25 oz
Cold brew concentrate (double strength)15 ml0.5 oz
Angostura bitters2 dashes
Orange peel1
Garnish: Black cherry1
Garnish: Orange slice1
Steps
- 01In a rocks glass, muddle the orange peel with the bitters
- 02Add Choeng Doi Blanc, rye, dark rum, banana liqueur and cold brew concentrate
- 03Add ice and stir gently until well-chilled
- 04Garnish with an orange slice and a black cherry
Notes
Robin Berwick's homage to Harry Belafonte combines multiple spirits and coffee for depth and complexity. The banana liqueur adds tropical sweetness without being cloying, while cold brew concentrate bridges spice with coffee's earthy character.
Batched Version: Pre-mix all spirits with bitters in a pitcher. Stir with ice to order and strain over a large ice cube.
History
Created at Berwick's Bird of Paradise (a 2025 Best New Bar), this drink draws inspiration from Caribbean travel experiences and blends them with classic American cocktail templates. It's named as an ode to Harry Belafonte's influence on Caribbean culture.
This Choeng Doi Blanc riff shows how delicate agricultural spirits can anchor complex, spirit-forward drinks without being overshadowed by darker rums or coffee.
In the bottle
Choeng Doi Blanc. Perpetual blend, edition no. 2. Pure sugarcane juice, copper pot and column still. 70 cL.
Choeng Doi Blanc
