By Dr. Elixir
Photography by Justin Negard
This cocktail is a tribute to José Andrés, a brilliant chef and humanitarian. Several months ago, I heard an interview where Andrés shared the story behind his seafoam margarita. While at the beach, Andrés noticed the light and airy quality of the ocean’s foam. He cupped some water with his hands, tasted it, and then replicated its taste and texture in his lab. Like Andrés, I used a dry sucrose emulsifier to create a very light and airy foam for this refreshing spring cocktail.
Ingredients
SERVES TWO.
Foam
2 oz. warm water
1 tsp. dry emulsifier
1 oz. lemon juice
¾ tsp. fine sea salt
Cocktail
2 oz. Licor 43
4 oz. gin (I like The Botanist for this drink)
2 oz. lemon juice
8 drops orange bitters
Lemon zest and dehydrated lemon slice for garnish, optional
Directions
To make the foam:
In a small bowl, stir the emulsifier into the warm water, then add the other ingredients. Mix with an immersion blender for 1-2 minutes and then let the foam rest (it will rise and stiffen).
For the cocktail:
Pour all ingredients into a shaker; add a lot of ice. Vigorously shake for around 90 seconds, then pour through the strainer into two martini glasses. Spoon equal amounts of foam on top of each drink, completely covering the top. Sprinkle lemon zest and garnish with a dehydrated lemon slice off to the side.
This article was published in the May/June 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
Dr. Elixir
Needing a way to stay sane with the kids ALWAYS around, Dr. Elixir decided that mixology would be his COVID-19 hobby. As word spread about his new talent, his popularity grew. Then, one day, he received a call that changed his life – YES, he'd love to be the mystery mixologist for Katonah Connect! Cheers!
Justin is an award-winning designer and photographer. He was the owner and creative director at Future Boy Design, producing work for clients such as National Parks Service, Vintage Cinemas, The Tarrytown Music Hall, and others. His work has appeared in Bloomberg TV, South by Southwest (SXSW), Edible Magazine, Westchester Magazine, Refinery 29, the Art Directors Club, AIGA and more.
Justin is a two-time winner of the International Design Awards, American Photography and Latin America Fotografia. Vice News has called Justin Negard as “one of the best artists working today.”
He is the author of two books, On Design, which discusses principles and the business of design, and Bogotà which is a photographic journey through the Colombian capital.
Additionally, Justin has served as Creative Director at CityMouse Inc., an NYC-based design firm which provides accessible design for people with disabilities, and has been awarded by the City of New York, MIT Media Lab and South By Southwest.
He lives in Katonah with his wonderfully patient wife, son and daughter.
