The Sherwood combines sweet forest berries with smoky-spiced herbal liqueur and a velvety layer of cream. The combination of fruity freshness and creamy texture makes it an unusual yet harmonious treat. Ideal for those who like it sweet, but not too sweet – with a touch of complexity from the liqueur. A drink that tastes of forest and mystery, without being overpowering.
And this is what you need for the Sherwood
1 cl Triple Sec (orange liqueur)
1 cl herbal liqueur (smoky-spiced)
1.5 cl forest berry liqueur (Fraise de Bois)
1.5 cl cream (at least 30 % fat)
Here’s what matters
The cream must be ice-cold – ideally, store it in the fridge for 10 minutes before using it. Only then can it be cleanly layered over the liqueur. A trick: Warm the bar spoon slightly before adding the cream to it. This prevents it from sticking to and tearing on the spoon. If you prefer it extra elegant, you can lightly whip the cream beforehand, but not too stiff – it should still be pourable to distribute evenly.
Variations
- Sherwood Fizz — Prepare the liqueur mixture as in the original, but pour it into a tall glass with ice cubes. Top up with 6 cl chilled soda water and stir gently. Whip the cream separately and use it as a topping.
- Sherwood Smoky — Replace the herbal liqueur with 1 cl smoky Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Refine the cream with a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla sugar to balance the smoky note.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the forest berry liqueur with fresh strawberries?
Fresh strawberries do add natural sweetness, but they dilute the drink too much and don’t blend well with the herbal liqueur in terms of taste. If you want to try it, purée 3–4 strawberries and strain them through a fine sieve to use only the juice. Then replace the forest berry liqueur with 1.5 cl strawberry juice and reduce the Triple Sec to 0.5 cl to balance the sweetness.
Why isn’t the cream layering properly?
The density of the liqueur mixture and the cream need to be similar. If the cream is too warm or too low in fat, it will sink. Use cream with at least 30 % fat and chill it beforehand. If the layering still doesn’t hold, you can slightly thicken the liqueur mixture with 0.5 cl sugar syrup.
Can I make the drink without alcohol?
Yes, replace the Triple Sec with 1 cl orange blossom syrup, the herbal liqueur with 1 cl alcohol-free herbal elixir (e.g., based on rosemary or thyme), and the forest berry liqueur with 1.5 cl alcohol-free strawberry liqueur or syrup. The cream remains unchanged.
