Midnight Orchard
The Midnight Orchard was born during a winter storm in a hillside lodge overlooking Queenstown’s alpine orchards. The lodge’s bartender, once a chef, was known for his nightly foraging walks through rows of wild plum trees and blackberry bushes.
One evening, a sudden storm trapped a group of travelers indoors. With the fire crackling and the wind howling outside, the bartender decided to create a drink that captured the mood of the orchards under moonlight — rich berries, ripe plums, and a cool, velvety darkness.
The guests named it “Midnight Orchard,” and the recipe traveled with them across continents. It became a favourite among bartenders who appreciate cocktails with a sense of place and a quiet touch of drama.
Ingredients
45 ml gin or vodka
20 ml plum liqueur
15 ml blackberry purée
15 ml fresh lemon juice
5 ml simple syrup
Fresh blackberry (garnish)
La Mouss Vegan Foaming agent for Cocktails
Method
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake firmly until well chilled.
Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a fresh blackberry on a pick.
Notes
For a darker, moodier profile, use gin with strong botanical structure.
For softer fruit expression, use vodka.
Blackberry purée thickness changes the cocktail texture — adjust to taste.
