The art of mixology with Margot Lecarpentier

Mixology is a subtle art where every ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavours. Margot Lecarpentier, a renowned mixologist, exemplifies this refined approach by incorporating spices and aromatic ingredients into cocktails for unique creations. Through her work at Bar Combat in Belleville and Bar des Ombres at Quai Branly, she pushes flavour boundaries by blending premium spirits with exceptional spices.

How to Pair Spices with a Signature Cocktail?

Pairing spices in a signature cocktail requires a subtle balance of flavours. Select spices that complement or contrast harmoniously with the main ingredients:

• Balancing Flavours: Gentle spices like turmeric, cinnamon, or vanilla pair well with citrus fruits (lemon, orange, grapefruit).
• Bold Combinations: Stronger spices such as chili, Kampot pepper, or ginger suit robust spirits like whisky, rum, or tequila, enhancing depth and adding a piquant note.

Best Spices for a Dinner Cocktail

For dinner cocktails, certain spices stand out for enhancing savoury dishes without overpowering them:

• Popular Choices: Cardamom, Kampot pepper, cinnamon, star anise, chili, and ginger.
• Tip: Incorporate these spices into simple recipes available on our website to impress guests at your next dinner party.

Enhancing a Signature Cocktail with Spices

To elevate a signature cocktail:

• Infusions: Infuse spices like pepper, cinnamon, or cardamom in base spirits (gin, rum, tequila) for hours or days.
• Spiced Syrups: Create homemade syrups with cinnamon, cloves, or star anise.
• Fruit Macerations: Macerate fruits like pineapple with chili for a sweet-spicy base.
• Spiced Garnishes: Add cinnamon sticks, spiced citrus peels, or crushed peppercorns for a complete sensory experience.

A JOURNEY DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE

Margot Lecarpentier’s passion for mixology and sensory experiences shines through her collaborations with prestigious establishments. Her work echoes the approach of the Ducasse Group, where respect for ingredients and a quest for excellence define every creation. By carefully selecting spices, she enhances cocktails with unique aromatic depth.

A PIONEERING APPROACH TO SPICES IN MIXOLOGY

Margot uses spices, fresh herbs, and fermented ingredients to balance and elevate flavours. Her innovative methods create taste experiences that awaken the senses and redefine modern mixology standards.

Bar Combat (Belleville, Paris 19e):

• Nirvana: Cachaça, White Turmeric, raspberry, lemon
• Musette: Gin, Khmer Green Curry, coriander, raspberry, lemon, Italian bitters, egg white
• Fortunela: Cachaça, Combava, kumquat shrub, mint, lime

Bramble by Margot Combat (Quai Branly, Paris 7e):

• HALIMA (Alcoholic): Pisco, fermented rice, basil, mint, Wild Cardamom, lime juice, agave syrup, Combava
• HALIMASLA (Non-Alcoholic): Same as HALIMA without alcohol
• Gran Torino: Pisco, peach tea, Italian bitters, grape verjus, plum liqueur, dandelion bitters, Dried Mango

Other Notable Creations:

• Garibaldini (Non-Alcoholic): Alcohol-free bitters, gochujang, orange juice, lemon, egg white
• The Baba: Dark rum, raisins, gum liqueur, coffee, lemon, stracciatella, Nutmeg
• Golden Hour: Calvados, melon, ginger, curry, gentian, lemongrass, lemon
• Chupicuaro Daiquiri: Cachaça, Cuban rum, Green Chartreuse, lime, fresh herb shrub, chili oil

A Burst of Flavours

Spices transform classic cocktails into unique taste experiences:

• White Turmeric: Adds earthy, floral notes.
• Wild Cardamom: Introduces spicy freshness, perfect with citrus and herbs.

Gastronomic Inspiration

Inspired by haute cuisine, each spice adds warmth, freshness, sweetness, or intensity, crafting cocktails as refined as gourmet dishes.

• Spicy Margarita: Featuring crushed chili trio for a bold twist.
• Star Anise Mulled Wine: Perfect for cosy winter evenings.
• London Mule with Dehydrated Turmeric Roots: A refined take on the Moscow Mule.

Thanks to Margot Lecarpentier’s innovative work with spices, mixology becomes a culinary experience where every ingredient tells a story. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a professional mixologist, incorporating spices into your creations opens up new flavour horizons. Dare to experiment, explore surprising combinations, and transform every tasting into a unique and refined moment.