Naqsh-e Jahan Cloud
Almond, pistachio and rose, as soft and airy as Isfahan's gaz.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | ml | oz |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka | 40 ml | 1⅓ oz |
| Almond orgeat · homemade, P21 | 20 ml | ⅔ oz |
| Pistachio orgeat · homemade, P10 | 5 ml | 1 tsp |
| Culinary rose water | 2 drops | |
| Aquafaba · homemade, P18 | 15 ml | ½ oz |
Ounces are rounded; measure in ml for accuracy. Homemade items link to their own page.
chilled coupe
dry-shaken, then shaken with ice, served up
a pinch of finely chopped pistachio on the foam
The story
Naqsh-e Jahan, “image of the world,” is Isfahan’s vast square, built by Shah Abbas around 1600 and framed by mosques and a palace. In the bazaar around it, shops sell gaz, Isfahan’s soft, chewy nougat made with nuts and rose water and once sweetened with a manna gathered from desert shrubs. This drink is gaz turned into a cloud: almond and pistachio, a breath of rose and a soft white foam.
Method
- Shake both orgeat bottles well.
- Add all ingredients to a shaker without ice and dry-shake for 10 seconds.
- Add ice and shake again for 12 seconds.
- Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
- Sprinkle a pinch of chopped pistachio on the foam.
How it tastes
Soft, nutty and gently sweet, with marzipan almond, a hint of pistachio, a floral breath of rose and a pillowy texture.
Persian taste: shirin (sweet)
Pair it with
- Food: Serve after dinner.
- Sweet: Gaz from Isfahan, of course.
- Snack: A few salted pistachios to reset the palate
Variations
Without foam
Leave out the aquafaba and shake with ice; silkier, less airy.
Gaz bidmeshki
Replace the rose water with 3 drops of bidmeshk water, another classic gaz flavor.
Brighter cloud
Add 10 ml fresh lemon juice for a gentle sour.
Balancing tips
- This is a soft dessert drink with no citrus; add lemon if you prefer more lift.
- Use the pale (untoasted) almond orgeat if you want a whiter, gaz-like drink.
Allergens
- Almond and pistachio (tree nuts)
- Chickpea (aquafaba)
- Contains alcohol. Please drink responsibly.
Development notes
- Status: draft recipe, not yet taste-tested.
- Keep distinct from Rafsanjan Silk and Tabriz Bazaar through its airy texture.
- Inspiration: Original house recipe.
Watch it mixed
Follow along
Steps light up as the animation plays. Tap a step to jump to it.
Heads-up: this animation was rendered from an earlier draft, so the amounts on screen differ slightly. Follow the ingredient table above.
Isfahan, imagined
