From Sparrow’s cocktail list, Passerella means runway in Italian, and this cocktail makes an entrance, a layered mix of bourbon, applejack, maple, pomegranate, and lime ($17).
About Passerella
Passerella means runway in Italian, and this cocktail makes an entrance. It is a sophisticated, layered mix of Washington bourbon and classic American apple brandy, balanced by barrel-aged maple syrup, tart pomegranate, and a fresh squeeze of lime. Two types of bitters, floral Peychaud’s from New Orleans and Scrappy’s Aromatic, give it depth and an herbaceous finish that lingers long after the last sip. The base is Piggy Back 6 Year Bourbon from Whistle Pig, a 100-proof, high-corn bourbon blending sourced Kentucky barrels with Whistle Pig’s home-grown Vermont stock. Applejack, American apple brandy and one of the oldest spirits produced on American soil, brings orchard fruit and warmth where the bourbon brings grain and spice.
The Recipe
- 1.5 oz Piggy Back 6 Year Bourbon
- 0.5 oz Applejack Brandy
- 0.5 oz Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
- 0.5 oz Pomegranate Juice
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
- 2 dashes Scrappy’s Aromatic Bitters
Shake with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe. The deep garnet color needs no garnish.
Tasting Notes
Bright and layered. Barrel-aged maple syrup and pomegranate open the palate with warmth and tart fruit sweetness. Bourbon and applejack fill the middle with oak, spice, and orchard fruit. Peychaud’s adds a soft floral and anise note, Scrappy’s Aromatic brings earthy spice, and the lime pulls everything together and keeps the cocktail lively. A long, warming finish.
What to Pair It With
The Passerella’s fruit and spice character holds its own against Sparrow’s richest dishes from the dinner menu. It is excellent with the Braised Duck, the Sparrow-Smoked Rack, or the American Wagyu steaks, the cocktail for the most ambitious plate of the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Passerella mean?
Passerella means runway in Italian. Sparrow’s Passerella is a layered cocktail of Washington bourbon, applejack, barrel-aged maple, pomegranate, lime, and two kinds of bitters.
How much is the Passerella at Sparrow?
It is $17 at Sparrow in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Black Manhattan and the A Proper Rusty Nail. We are on the Eastside in Kirkland, so reserve a table and come taste it.