Pineau Month Spotlight: Frank Mills and the Gold of Biscay Cocktail

As Pineau Month continues, we are excited to showcase all of the creative Pineau des Charentes cocktails being served at bars and restaurants across the country. The next cocktail we are exploring is the Gold of Biscay, created by Frank Mills, Washington, DC-based Beverage Director at Roy Boys and Pineau des Charentes partner. With over a decade of experience in the food, beverage and hospitality industry, Mills is also Co-Founder of DrinkLock Reserve Coasters & Daring Kombucha Cocktails. With an affinity for classic cocktails, Mills can often be found producing cocktail programs throughout the D.C. metropolitan area. Mills created Gold of Biscay a vibrant and refreshing signature cocktail while easing into relaxation.

“Pineau des Charentes is the taste of excellence and French quality,” says Mills, adding. “[It’s] the best ingredient for a fresh and vibrant cocktail.”

The Gold of Biscay cocktail, made with a blend of white Pineau des Charentes, pineapple syrup, Italicus Liqueur and Yuzu juice, invokes a carefree spirit and beach-y vibes. “Within the name is a reference to the Bay Of Biscay, the gulf on the coast of Western France’s Cognac region that spans to Northern Spain,” explains Mills. “The notion of enjoying the cocktail while lounging comfortably amongst pleasant company on a warm French summer evening on the beach, toes in the sand, instant gratification from the enjoyment of every sip of the Gold Of Biscay. Consumers will take in the cocktail’s vibrant and refreshing palate.”

The drink, Mills explains, is ideal for those who want to enjoy Pineau des Charentes, an “enjoyable, easily approachable, flavorful spirit.”

Mills continues: “I believe with the Gold Of Biscay a notion of an island escape amongst the current climate of chaos in the world, allows the spirit to go from under-utilized product to highly-considered placement amongst multiple establishment’s menus once made aware of its versatility; [it’s] targeted for the wine drinking, lower-ABV consumer, as well as the multifaceted beverage director in need of newer options amongst their already exquisite cocktail list.”

Pineau des Charentes is made in the same Charentes region of Western France where Cognac is made and shares a great deal with the spirit. Made from a combination of grape juice and Cognac eau-de-vie and aged in oak barrels during long months, it is typically made from white grapes but can also use red as well to obtain white, red and rosé Pineau des Charentes.  The result delivers a fruit forward beverage that rides the delicate line between wine and spirits, with a low ABV, around 17%. Bartenders are increasingly reaching for  it to craft lower proof offerings for guests and as a more delicate option to evoke subtle flavors slightly reminiscent of other grape based beverages in a cocktail.

Gold of Biscay recipe + preparation

  • 2 oz white Pineau des Charentes
  • .75 oz Pineapple Syrup: 2 parts Pineapple Juice – 1 part Sugar
  • .5 oz Italicus Liqueur
  • .25 oz Yuzu Juice
  • Garnish: Edible Gold Mist & Dehydrated Pineapple

Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker, add ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain into chilled coupe. Ample edible gold mist into cocktail, drop dehydrated pineapple.

 

Follow these profiles to see how other bartenders and sprits enthusiasts are using Pineau in their cocktails!

Teddy Martinez  – @teddysinthemixx

Annarose Krone – @annarosekrone

Taylor Lax – @the.cocktail.bandit

Paul Zahn – @PaulZahn

For more on Pineau Month, visit pineauacademy.com

 

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