Ode to New York – Ode Bright Lemon
I first noticed the Ode Aperitifs a while back thanks to their iconic design. However, it was not until the Haut Les Vins Signature Wine Show in 2026 that I tried the aperitifs. From the moment I tasted them, I knew I had to feature both in combination with different recipes.
First up is the Ode Bright Lemon. Both aperitifs are based on a Riesling wine made by Nico Espenschied. Ode also uses Amalfi and Cedro lemons, artichokes, apricots, bergamots, peaches, rosemary, thyme and other botanicals. Ultimately, the Bright Lemon has an ABV of 18.5%.
Bitter and complex
The Ode Bright Lemon begins with a distinct bitterness reminiscent of gentian and dried wormwood. I also detected herbal notes of thyme and rosemary. As the aftertaste develops, a citrus flavour emerges alongside a hint of sweetness.
Low ABV sour
I wanted to keep things simple, and I also had some leftover red wine, so I came up with a variation of the New York Sour using the Ode. I replaced the spirit with the aperitif, though. Apart from that, I only adjusted the amount of simple syrup to achieve the right balance of sweet and sour. For the float, I used a Blaufraenkisch, but I think the Herz+Hand Syrah & Cabernet Franc from Nico would work well with the rest of the recipe, too.
3 cl Lemon Juice
1,5 cl Simple Syrup
Shake – strain – chilled Old-Fashioned glass over large ice cube – float red wine;
Garnish: Lemon Twist;
Song: The Wombats – Moving to New York;
Whether you stir the drink right away or not affects the sensory experience you get. Personally, I like the contrast between the slightly warmer, very dry red wine and the cold, sweet and sour cocktail beneath. Of course, stirring results in a more integrated overall taste. Ultimately, I was very pleased with this low-ABV creation and will definitely be making it again!
*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product. I received the aperitif for free from Ode.
