In 2018, for the Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition in Miami, USA, Hamanasi bartender Mark Jacobs developed a series of drinks that highlighted flavor profiles common to Belize’s different ethnic groups. He was inspired by the many cultures and the culinary ingredients of Belize. One drink stood out to Mark with its aromatic and zesty attributes familiar to the spices and herbs of his own ethnic background, East Indian. This cocktail is the Indentured Sting.
Mark is no stranger to bartending or Mixology competitions. He entered his first competition in 2012, and has been competing since. He has traveled internationally several times to represent Belize in competitions such as the Taste of the Caribbean. In 2018, when Mark introduced the Indentured Sting at this competition, he brought home the silver metal!
The Indentured Sting gets its name from the story of his ancestors’ arrival to Belize In 1838, East Indians first arrived in Belize as indentured peoples to work on farms. With them came new techniques for cultivating rice and sugar in tropical climates, making the industry viable in Belize. They also brought a wealth of rich flavors and traditions. Some of the ingredients introduced during this time included turmeric, lemongrass, basil and curry. The sting in the name comes from the zesty tingle of the citrus and turmeric flavors. The namesake also alludes to the sting of indentured servitude.
This vibrant complex cocktail draws on Mark’s East Indian roots using turmeric, lemongrass and basil. Of course, this drink is best when prepared by Mark himself at Hamanasi Resort while using one of his very own DML Bamboo straws. However, recreating his recipe may hold you over until you are able to visit us in person!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 2 tbsp turmeric paste (Truly Turmeric produced in Belize or another brand you have available- you can even make it yourself)
- 16 fresh basil leaves
- 4 sprigs fresh lemongrass (washed and trimmed)
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- Ice
- 2 oz Tito’s vodka (or a vodka of your choice)
- Approximately 2 oz soda water (Lemon flavored soda water for an extra refreshing citrus kick)
- Slice of lime, sprig lemon grass or basil leaf for garnish
Step One
Before mixing your cocktail, you must first make your syrup with enough time for it to cool to room temperature before mixing your drink. This syrup is where your cocktail is going to get its aromatic and robust East Indian flavors. It can last up to a couple of weeks, if kept in the refrigerator.
For 8 oz of syrup that will make 4 cocktails:
1. First, begin with 1 1/2 cups of water on the stove & set to medium heat.
2. Add 1 cup of raw cane sugar
3. Then add 2 tbsp of turmeric paste, about 16 basil leaves, 4 sprigs of lemongrass and ½ cup of lime juice (freshly squeezed is preferred).
4. Next, stir regularly until sugar dissolves, liquids thicken and aromatics are released (approximately 15 minutes).
5. Your syrup should be a golden ( or slightly greenish) color and the consistency of maple syrup before you turn off the heat and strain it through a sieve. This step removes the turmeric pulp, basil leaves and lemongrass sprigs.
6. Finally, bottle your syrup and let cool.
Step Two – Mix the liquids
Now that you created your syrup and it has cooled to at least room temperature (can be cooler if refrigerated) it is time to mix your cocktail.
1. Begin with a 14 oz cup filled with ice.
2. Add 2 oz Tito’s Vodka (or vodka of your choice)
3. Add 2 oz of Mark’s Indentured Sting Syrup
4. Approximately 2 oz ( or until full ) soda water. You can substitute soda water for a Lemon infused soda water for an extra zesty upgrade.
5. Stir cocktail and garnish with a slice of lime (dehydrated or fresh), sprig of lemongrass and a basil leaf.
Step Three
Share with your loved ones and enjoy!
This cocktail is best enjoyed on a warm afternoon sitting poolside or on the beach while using a DML Bamboo straw, which was also created by Mark Jacobs himself! The Indentured Sting is also enjoyed alcohol free. Simply replace the 2 oz of Vodka with extra soda water or lemon Infused soda water.
