RIO DE ORO

In the 15th century, driven by tales of a legendary river flowing with gold, Portuguese explorers ventured into Morocco’s southern reaches. Instead of finding a river, they were greeted by locals offering gold dust, a treasure of the desert. Though the mythical river remained elusive, the name endured across the centuries including during the Spanish colonisation. Today, the region is known as Oued Ed-Dahab in Arabic— still the "River of Gold"—a lasting echo of that fabled quest and the timeless allure of the Moroccan Sahara’s lands.

Ingredients:

• 25ml Sahara
• 25ml Aperol (or similar)
• 25 ml sweet vermouth 
• Soda or tonic for top up
• Gold leaf for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add Sahara, aperol and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir or shake well until thoroughly chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass with ice.
5. Top up with soda or tonic, approx 10 ml.
6. Garnish with a gold leaf.
7. Serve and enjoy this special cocktail.