Yes, paradise does exist – it’s called the Canary Islands (Spain). And paradise is what you’ll find pretty much everywhere on these islands. Abel López, the Torres Brandy Embassy’s ambassador in the Canaries knows the islands like the back of his hand. His warm, friendly and extroverted personality has a lot to do with his origins: He’s Cuban by birth, and Canarian by adoption. A truly exceptional combination that means he has no problem in winning the hearts of everyone around him.

A good friend, he’ll always welcome you with a broad smile on his face.

As a Torres Brandy ambassador and sommelier, he knows how to appreciate the subtleties of wines and brandies, and his creative streak has led him to develop the most extraordinarily inventive cocktails, like the Matrimonio, created for The Embassy. Keep his motto in mind: “I like to drink sparingly, and always the good stuff”.

One of the things he finds most inspiring about being an ambassador for Torres Brandy is, in his own words, “keeping the community of bartenders united, like one big family”. And how does he manage that? By listening to bartenders, training them, and supporting them in their projects and businesses. Another things that inspires him is creating cocktails with Torres Brandy, drinks that are a feast for the senses of those who have yet to discover just how versatile this spirit distilled from the grape is when it comes to cocktail making.

Abel is an expert on the Canaries, so with him by our side we’re going to find out why these islands are such a well-loved destination. This journey through the senses starts off with the discovery of those restaurants and cocktail bars that shouldn’t be missed in the Canarian paradise, and he’s even going to recommend a cocktail with a mix of ingredients that’s sure to surprise, while that at the same time being simple to make.

“A cocktail should tell a story. Maybe even spark a memory, or remind you of an experience, and whisk you off to different parts of the world.”

Take the plunge and dare to prepare this cocktail made with Torres 15 Brandy, coffee and pineapple. Ingredients that might not immediately grab you as being the best of friends, but they make for a perfect matrimonio, promise! That’s where the name comes from – matrimonio means marriage in Spanish.

A refreshing, tropical cocktail that’s easy to prepare, and perfect for enjoying of an evening.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Torres 15
• 20 ml sugar syrup
• 20 ml lime juice
• 20 ml pineapple juice
• 30 ml Espresso coffee.
• A thin slice of pineapple and a pineapple leaf.

Preparation:

• Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the coffee last. 
• Shake for a few seconds to chill, and to break up the ice. 
• Strain into a tall glass with lots of ice, and serve.
• Decorate with a thin slice of pineapple and a pineapple leaf.