White Noise

The White Noise is the jewel in the crown of Portland Hunt + Alpine Club’s cocktail menu; proprietors Andrew & Briana Volk have been serving it nonstop since they opened, and it’s one of their most popular drinks.
It’s easy to see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser. Its low ABV means you can have one without getting sloshed, and it’s so light and crisp and eminently sippable that it’s hard to resist having a second one.
The Volks recommend Cocchi Americano Bianco, which is slightly more bitter and less sweet than Lillet Blanc (another white wine apéritif); either will be fine.
The grapefruit peel is a lovely garnish, but it’s also a critical ingredient – the scent of the oils from the peel, carried on the bubbly fizz of the sparkling water, is what makes the drink so perfect.

Ingredients
- 1½ parts White wine apéritif
- 1 part Elderflower liqueur
- 2 parts Sparkling water
- 1 piece Grapefruit peel
Instructions
Add the white wine apéritif and the elderflower liqueur to a short glass. Fill the glass with ice, top with soda water, and stir gently. Fold and crack the grapefruit peel over the drink to express its oils, rub it on the rim of the glass, and then add it to the drink as a garnish.


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Read more
- Recipe: White Noise Cocktail at the Kitchn
