Mor Koral is an award-winning international mixologist. Recently, she represented Israel in the global finals of the Patrón Tequila bartending competition and won first place worldwide.
Together with Uri Gopher, an experienced mixologist and close friend, she recently launched a Mediterranean bitter brand, the first of its kind in the world: 'Holy Bitters'.
Mor and Uri gathered aromatic botanical ingredients that characterize our region's culinary culture and created bitters intended to deepen and uniquely color every drink.
Why Hennessy specifically?
"It's common to think of cognac as a serious 'winter' drink, usually associated with gray situations by a burning fireplace in classical Europe," says Mor.
"But the truth is, in terms of flavors, Hennessy is a versatile drink that can be greatly enjoyed in lighter drinks, even in summer, alongside Mediterranean dishes. I wanted to show a different side of the drink with the essence of the Mediterranean—Holy Bitters."
Cognac, Ginger Beer, Hawaij
A spicy, tangy, refreshing cocktail perfect for the hot Israeli summer. The deep woody flavors of Hennessy gain a Mediterranean twist with Hawaij bitters, and the ginger beer adds a sharp and interesting kick.
Ingredients:
45 ml Hennessy cognac120 ml ginger beer3 dashes Hawaij bitters, Holy BittersJuice from a lemon wedgeIceCinnamon stick and star anise
Instructions:
Pour all the ingredients into a tall glass with ice, stir, and garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise.
Cognac, Apples, Frankincense
A fruity, aromatic, and original combination of cognac flavors with fruits and resins. The frankincense bitters are based on extracts of sacred resins from the Mediterranean area—frankincense, mastic, and a touch of eucalyptus, adding a unique woody aroma to the beloved cognac.
Ingredients:
45 ml Hennessy cognac120 ml quality apple juice3 dashes frankincense bitters, Holy BittersJuice from a lemon wedgeIceRosemary sprig
Instructions:
Pour all the ingredients into a tall glass with ice, stir, and garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Mediterranean Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail considered the ancestor of the margarita. Unlike the margarita, the Sidecar is characterized by deep flavors thanks to the cognac at its base. In this version, it gains a Mediterranean freshness with Provençal herb bitters, lavender spray, fennel seeds, and local herbs.
Ingredients:
Pre-chilled martini glass50 ml cognac25 ml quality orange liqueur25 ml fresh lemon juice3 dashes Provençal herb bitters, Holy BittersWhite sugarIceThyme sprig
Instructions:
Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake well. Dip half the rim of the glass in white sugar, strain the drink into the glass, and garnish with a thyme sprig.