And the Winner is...

Antonio D'Auria.

"Vesevo"

Glass: Swizzle or Tiki Mug

Ice: Crushed Ice

Technique: Swizzle

Garnish: Ginestra Flower (Broom Flower)

Ingredients:

- 2 oz Vesevo Rum Mix (Blend of Bacardi 4 / Plantation OFTD / La Mauny Rhum Blanc)

- 1 ozMix #3 (Hazelnut Syrup / Pellecchielle Vesuvian Apricot Jam / Neapolitan "Pisto" Spice Infusion + Ginestra) or Hazelnut Real Exotic Infusion

- 0.33 oz Alamea Hawaiian Coffee Liqueur

- 1 ozFresh Lime Juice

- 3 drops Pastis Duval (or substitute with absinthe)

Method:

1. Fill a swizzle glass or tiki mug with crushed ice.

2. Add all ingredients and swizzle until well-chilled.

3. Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a ginestra flower.

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Cultural Inspiration:

The Vesevo cocktail embodies the folklore and culinary traditions of the Vesuvian people, using symbolic local ingredients. Its name is inspired by Giacomo Leopardi’s poem "La Ginestra", which evokes the Vesuvius volcano and its surrounding nature.

Key Ingredients & Symbolism:

- Ginestra (Broom Flower) Infusion: A nod to Leopardi’s poetry, representing resilience.

- Neapolitan Pisto Spice Blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coriander): Used in traditional sweets.

- Pellecchielle Vesuvian Apricot Jam: Adds tropical fruitiness, from a local Vesuvian variety.

- Hazelnut Syrup Inspired by Nocciola di Giffoni (Campanian hazelnuts), adding a nutty depth.

- Coffee: A tribute to Neapolitan coffee culture.

Tiki Influence:

The drink’s structure is inspired by Don the Beachcomber’s 151 Swizzle , blending bold rums, spices, and citrus for a tropical yet earthy profile.