Denisse Soto

Cocktails continue to showcase some of the most inventive and complex flavor play on menus today, and that’s certainly evident at Cariño, a Latin-inspired tasting menu concept. For the Sueños cocktail, every sip reveals new layers, showcasing a complex sensory experience that holds its own when paired with the restaurant’s culinary creations. “It’s refreshing at the first sip, with a bright finish,” says Denisse Soto, spirits and cocktail curator for Cariño.

For the build, maraschino liqueur and crème de fleur provide notes of cherry, jasmine, elderflower and rose, which combine with refreshing pineapple for a tropical touch. Absinthe adds an herbaceous licorice note, while tequila gives it strength and elegance. The table presentation features a touch of drama, as servers light a spritz of absinthe aflame on top of the glass, while a fresh fennel frond completes the drink. “Whether it’s winter or summer, this is the cocktail that is going to transport you to a tropical atmosphere, making you forget that you are in the city,” says Soto.

Read more Best of Flavor 2024