Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unlikely of sources. Take the case of Mr. Donkey, a new cocktail served at Armonia Bar. Last winter, bars manager Takis Antoniou was at home dreaming up drinks when his concentration was interrupted by the persistent, plaintive braying of a donkey. Concerned, he crossed several fields and found the donkey tied to a tree, his rein tightly wound around the trunk. Takis cut the donkey loose and brought him water and food. It was then that he noticed the tree produced carobs. Carob honey, strong, fragrant, and sweet, would flavour a new cocktail! Back home, he muddled cucumbers and ginger, mixed in ice, and added a generous pour of mezcal (that’s what gives Mr. Donkey its kick). Then he added four drops of carob honey made by his mother, Giorgoula, from her family recipe. The drink is finished with apple and mango juices and passion fruit puree. Garnished with a carob, Mr. Donkey is an instant classic. Armonia’s updated cocktail menu makes further use of Cypriot ingredients. Consider the Black Barrel, which Takis developed with barman Panayiotis Leventis; it combines Mt. Gay’s rum with Filfar, an orange liqueur made only in Cyprus, mastiha, a liqueur made from the oil of regional mastic bushes, and Aperol. The juices of local lemons, limes, and mangoes and thyme-infused local honey finish the mix. Topped with fruit dried in house, the Black Barrel refreshes on hot days. Stop by Armonia and try one of our truly inspired new cocktails!
