“I took inspiration for Crimson Affair from my childhood go-to snack: guava dipped in palm sugar melted with fish sauce and chili,” says Nel Pen, founder of Kravat Bar in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Nel channels that savory, sweet-tart flavor in this drink with a fish sauce syrup, which she says works well in other cocktails, especially gin-based ones.
Crimson Affair
Nel Pen | Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 1 ounce guava juice
- heavy 3/4 ounce Campari
- heavy 3/4 ounce dry vermouth
- 3/4 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce fish sauce syrup (see Editor’s Note)
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake with ice.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
Editor's Note
Fish Sauce Syrup
In a pot, combine 50 milliliters of water, 45 milliliters of fish sauce, 100 grams of sugar, 2 slices of ginger and the zest of one lime. Bring to a boil, then let cool and strain. Store until ready to use.