View this post on Hive: The Centurion SFO Challenge: revealing 8 exclusive cocktails

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With great pleasure do I report to Steem the completion of the Centurion SFO Challenge, whereby one tries all 8 of the specialty-crafted cocktails at the San Francisco Centurion Lounge. To the best of my knowledge, I am the first person to complete & document this feat. In fact, this is my second Centurion Challenge, the first having been accomplished in Philadelphia.

First some background. Cocktails are served daily from 10:30am–10:30pm at the SFO Centurion Lounge, which is located in Terminal 3 (since terminals 2 & 3 are not connected gate-side, I had to go through security twice). The cocktails were conceived by decorated chef Jim Meehan, exclusively for American Express and with local inspiration. I get access to Centurion Lounges on account of my American Express Platinum Credit Card (referral link). Please comment below with any questions. I'm happy to help you learn to churn, so that, like me, you can enjoy a premium air travel experience and get paid to do it!

Now onto the drinks. My favorites were the Pisco Punch and the Cherry Almond Star, although each drink was spectacular in its own way. I'll let the pictures and quoted descriptions from the menu fill you in on the details!

1. Gin Basil Fizz

St. George Botanivore Gin · Lime Juice · Aqua Perfecta Basil Eau de Vie · Sparkling Wine

This regal riff on German barman Joerg Meyer's better-known Gin Basil Smash relies on local eau de vie, instead of the muddled herb, to pair with the peppery gin.

2. Journeymaker

Wild Turkey Rye Whiskey · Cane Sugar · Angostura Bitters

Sit back, relax, and let our bartenders treat you to something special with this modern take on a true classic, the Old Fashioned. And remember, behind every great moment in travel is a Journeymaker who made it happen. This cocktail is dedicated to those who take travel further…bartenders, included.

3. Pisco Punch

Campo de Encanto Pisco · Small Hands Foods Pineapple Gum · Lime Juice · Red Wine · Angostura Bitters · Orange

This famous 19^th-Century punch was created in San Francisco to slake the thirst of settlers like the forty-niners, who populated the city after the gold rush.

4. Rum & Choke

Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum · Cynar · Ancho Reyes and Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

This summer, we're serving this maple syrup sweetened Daiquiri

5. Wasapea

Botanist Gin · Lime Juice · Simple Syrup · Wasabi Paste

Green peas and wasabi compliment the evergreen botanicals foraged on the island of Islay (pronounced "eye-la") that flavor the Botanist gin.

Note: the pictured drink deviates from the recipe due to out-of-stock ingredients.

6. Cherry Almond Star

Remy Martin V.S.O.P. Cognac · Powers Irish Whiskey · Noilly Ambre Vermouth · Luxardo Amaretto

This unusual combination yields a cocktail that tastes like the iconic Italian shortbread cookies with a candied cherry in the center.

7. Desert Oasis

Siete Leguas Reposado Tequila · Cointreau · Grapefruit Juice · Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

The salt and turmeric rimmed glass, which mimics the look of sand surrounding a desert oasis, also reinforces the earthy agave notes in this smoky Margarita.

Note: the pictured drink deviates from the recipe due to out-of-stock ingredients.

8. Hebridean Hello

Bruichladdich Scottish Barley · Suze · Lemon Juice · Bon Maman Apricot Preserves · Angostura Bitters

The herbal quality of the gentian root in Suze pairs perfectly with the briny Scotch, whose peaty (smoky) character shines through like a warm welcome.

Bonus Photograph

I'm including a bonus image from the lounge, as I often do. Encore! Pictured below is my carry-on piece of luggage, a taxidermy with antlers who made a great travel companion. Notice also the locally inspired imagery in the background, as if the Centurion Lounge were a time capsule to bring man back to a more groovy era.

Steemian Boss Series

This is the ninth post in the popular Steemian Boss Series. Previous posts include:

1. Ultralight travel to Key West
2. Sights aboard a twinjet, Philly to Boston style
3. How to hammock like a Steemian Boss in Cambridge
4. Glory aboard American Airlines flight 501
5. The Centurion PHL Challenge: 8 specialty crafted cocktails
6. The Delta Sky Club ATL Challenge: all 2 specialty cocktails
7. Mississippi's best hiking: backpacking in Noxubee Hills
8. Epic 80-mile bike ride to Limerick's Nuclear Reactors

License

This post as well as its images are released under a CC BY 4.0 License. Republish or reuse this content, but please attribute by linking to this Steem post.