Queens' Tincture

A house infusion: white balsamic vinegar of Modena threaded with dried hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa, flor de jamaica). The hibiscus calyx contains anthocyanins and natural fruit acids — when steeped in white balsamic, it dyes the vinegar a clear ruby-rose and adds a bright cranberry-tart top- note that the white balsamic on its own does not carry. The base vinegar provides the controlled sweet-acidity and the floral grape register; the hibiscus extends the colour and the fruity-tart aromatic. The result is a vinegar that reads as pink and rose-flavoured but is structurally a balsamic — the colour does the marketing, the balsamic does the work. Use where colour matters: pink salads, ceviche dressings, sparkling-wine cocktails, fruit reductions, gastrique for game.