L’Observatoire bar on the top floor of the Sofitel Le Grand Ducal is not just a classy joint with modern décor and gentle lighting, but also a place which boasts unrivalled panoramic views over the city. Old Mist is a drink to be relished in winter that uses Luxembourg’s Mansfeld gin as a key ingredient, as well as Alexandro sherry, a lightly fortified white wine from Spain.

“The idea stemmed from the first ingredient which was the clementine, a characteristic fruit associated with Christmas,” explains cocktail maker Eric Guazzetti. “A dry, straight gin like Mansfeld’s is good for cocktails: it blends well with strong flavours and draws out the citrus fruits and sweetness of the sherry.”

The Distillery Mansfeld is named after Pierre-Ernest de Mansfeld (1517-1604) who among other things was governor of Luxembourg and a renowned hedonist, who led an eventful life dedicated to conquest, diplomacy and art in all its forms.

The ingredients are straightforward but it is a little fiddly to make at home, as it needs to be flambéed, a technique better executed by an experienced bartender. Drawing a flame to the mixture not only looks impressive but concentrates the flavours as well as caramelising the sugars.

When you pour the hot syrupy liquid slowly over the ice to serve, it creates a swirly mist, which is where its name derives from. Extra attention is given to the process and the presentation, and this auburn-coloured cocktail is served in a tumbler glass nestled into a piece of jagged wood.

Make it yourself

• 3 cl Mansfeld Gin
• 4.5 cl Alexandro Sherry
• 2 drops of homemade clementine bitter
• 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
• Lemon zest twist to garnish

Stir the ingredients in a small pot that can be heated. Heat using a laser technique (or flambé the mixture if doing it at home) for 30 seconds. Pour over ice. Squeeze the lemon zest oils over the drink before dropping it in. Serve.