Lebanese Love Potion

Cocktail bar Tunes at the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam has an international clientele. Under the title Tunes around the world, chef Schilo van Coevorden and mixologist Tim Hoevenagel pay tribute to this diversity with cocktails and bites. Does this also solve the eternal problem of finding the ideal cocktail-and-food pairing?

We’re opting for a Lebanese-inspired cocktail. And what could go better with a cocktail featuring the flavors of Lebanon? Exactly: a pita with hummus.

Preparation

Cocktail From Lebanon with love

Add 4 grams of verbena leaves to a 70cl bottle of Tanqueray #10 Gin. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for 3 hours, pour through a strainer and set aside.

Shake & pour all the ingredients, except the champagne and rose petals, into a coupe glass. Add the champagne. Garnish with the rose petals.

Mini pita with hummus

Place all the ingredients except the olive oil in a blender and blend slowly. Slowly pour in the olive oil while blending everything.

Once everything is combined, season with pepper. Place the hummus in a bowl. Warm the mini pitas. Fill them with some hummus. Garnish with black sesame seeds, olive oil and thinly sliced red onion.

Recipe + photography: Chef Schilo van Coevorden and mixologist Tim Hoevenagel of Tunes Bar Amsterdam.