Again this summer, Opera Wilmington collaborates with Caprice Bistro in downtown Wilmington to bring you two distinctive beverages that reflect our two July operas. “The Duel,” hints at the betrayal and jealousy of the Sicilian lovers in Cavalleria rusticana, while “Angelica’s Garden” incorporates into a cocktail some herbs that convent gardener Suor Angelica might cultivate, while she hides a devastating secret.
Both signature cocktails stage a public debut at a kickoff on Tuesday, June 16, at 4:00 p.m. in Caprice’s upstairs lounge. Opera Wilmington artistic director Nancy King will start things off, and Caprice staff will introduce the drinks.
Mixologist Sinjun Chapman at Caprice Bistro imagined what Suor Angelica might concoct from the convent herb garden she tends. Chapman also tried to channel the passion and anger of Turiddu, a soldier returning to his Sicilian village to find his fiancée married to another man.
The result? Sinjun created two special cocktails: Angelica’s Garden and The Duel. They are available through Sunday, July 26, the date of Opera Wilmington’s final performance.
“Sip your way into the story before the curtain rises — then catch Suor Angelica and Cavalleria rusticana live July 17, 19, 24 & 26 at Opera Wilmington,” Chapman says.
“We’re happy to partner with Caprice Bistro in introducing these themed cocktails that hint at the story,” says Opera Wilmington artistic director Nancy King.
“Angelica’s Garden” is a gentle mix of rosemary simple syrup, lemon gin, chamomile tea, green chartreuse, a drop of honey and a sprig of rosemary.
“The Duel” is a passionate Sicilian combination of demerara sugar simple syrup, whisky, cherry juice, Peychaud’s bitters with a Malbec wine float.
Caprice Bistro is at 10 Market Street, Wilmington. 910 815-0810 or capricebistro.com. Hours are Monday – Saturday 4PM – 10PM; Sunday 4PM – 9PM. Lunch is available Thursday – Monday 11 AM – 3PM.
