Amy and Fred Groth of HelloCello in Sonoma have expanded their line of artisanal spirits to include an orange-flavored, organic brandy infused with the exotic Damiana flower. The brandy tastes like a spicy Grand Marnier and as far as anyone knows, it’s the only liqueur in the U.S. that includes Damiana, a flower used for centuries as an aphrodisiac.
“In Mexico … it is a ritual for newlyweds to drink a Damiana Tea on their wedding night to promote fertility,” said Fred Groth. . “It is no wonder that BelloCello pairs so nicely with tequila.”
Here’s a sexy cocktail recipe for Valentine’s Day, using a blend of BelloCello and tequila, lemon and blood orange juice.
The Strip Tease
1 ounce BelloCello
2 ounces Espolon Tequila Blanco
1 ounce fresh-squeezed blood orange juice
½ ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
½ ounce agave syrup
Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a salt-and-lemon-zest-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a candied orange peel.
