Around The World in 80 Drinks: Three House Hotel’s Signature Baco
September is here, but the sun has yet to set on summer. Lucky for Madeira, there always seems to be a taste of it. Maybe that’s because of the moderate temperature, or maybe the ocean, which always seems to be in view and sticking to your skin. Whatever it is, we want to savor it, and one of the best places to do so on the island is Three House Hotel.
While they might be the new kid on the block, they’ve arguably got the best view in town, and some of the best cocktails, too.
The roof seems to be the heart of the hotel, boasting everything from the cocktail bar to the new boozy and botanical experimental cocktail lab, a stone, saltwater pool and plenty of space to spread out, curl up with a good book, or watch the sunset fall on the city, sea or mountains.
Three House is a welcomed modern and stylish departure for the Madeira hotel scene, but most notably bright. The rooftop is saturated in soft, dusty pink and the 13 apartment suites below are all flooded with light. The food and drinks are infused with that same inherent brightness — a fusion of world flavors with local ingredients.
Speaking with Three House owner Vitor Nobrega, his voice is equally bright and his tone excitable. Yet, everything he says feels considered and almost reflective, this wonderful juxtaposition between fun and philosophical — just like their signature drink, Baco.
Talking BACO with THREE HOUSE HOTEL owner, Vitor Nóbrega.
So tell us about Baco. Where’s that name come from?
”This cocktail is dedicated to our head mixologist’s best friend, Baco, his Boxer, that passed away when we opened Three House a year ago. It means a lot that Zoz made this drink for us in Baco’s name, not only because we’re a dog-friendly hotel, but because we recognize that a man’s best friend can truly be a dog.”
Tell us about the flavors of this drink.
”We have a slew of signature cocktails — 18 to be exact. But we wanted each one to have its own distinct flavor. Baco is a sour, citrus cocktail, using Bourbon Whiskey, ginger, grapefruit and honey. Baco used to like to chase the bees!”
What’s your Bourbon of choice up there at Three House?
”We like good old Kentucky Bulleit — this blend has an especially high rye content that’s got this gentle spiciness and sweet oak flavor you want to taste.”
Vitor’s dog, & resident Three House welcome committee, Peanut.
THREE HOUSE HOTEL
BACO
Ingredients
40ml Bulleit Bourbon
10ml St-Germain
30ml Lemon
10ml Campari
10ml Aperol
20ml Honey and Ginger syrup
Egg whites – from 1 egg
Instructions
Grab a mixer and pour in all your ingredients, including the egg whites, but without ice. This is called a “dry shake,” and you’re going to do this for about 30-seconds to activate the egg white proteins and get the drink velvety smooth. Then when your arms start to hurt, add in some more ice and shake again for another 30-seconds. Pour over fresh ice rocks in a glass and garnish with an orange peel that you squeeze over the drink, then slide across the rim. Saúde!
