Solar Flare
The Solar Flare Special.
The Solar Flare is one of the most mysterious and challenging cocktails served at Barsoon[1], the famous bar in Cydonia Mensae[2] on Mars. Crafted by Tariks, the legendary Martian mixologist and owner of Barsoon, the Solar Flare is a drink shrouded in legend. Its bold, fiery flavor and enigmatic ingredients have made it both feared and revered among Barsoon’s patrons. Known for its intense effects and the rumored use of a rare Martian spice, the Solar Flare is not for the faint of heart.
Ingredients
- Martian Mesas Spice: The Solar Flare’s signature ingredient is a rare spice that grows in the shadows of the great mesas of Cydonia. This spice is believed to be a mutation of native Martian flora, nurtured by the unique environmental conditions of the mesas. The spice has a potent, almost electric flavor, adding an exotic and slightly numbing sensation to the drink. Some believe it enhances mental clarity, while others claim it induces vivid hallucinations.
- Red Dust Extract: A concentrated form of Martian red dust, this extract gives the drink its fiery orange and red hues. The extract also lends a sharp, mineral flavor that represents the very essence of Mars. It is known for creating a warming sensation as it spreads through the body, simulating the intensity of a solar flare.
- Stellarfruit Syrup: Sourced from the tropical, floating orchards of Europa[3], this syrup adds a sweet, vibrant contrast to the powerful spice of the Solar Flare. The Stellarfruit is known for its glowing, bioluminescent properties, which give the drink its ethereal glow when served in dim lighting.
- Venusian Heatwave Citrus: A splash of this Venusian citrus, known for its zesty and incredibly sharp flavor, gives the drink a cutting edge. The citrus is harvested from floating platforms on Venus and is infamous for its intensely acidic properties, said to "ignite" the senses.
Preparation
The Solar Flare requires careful preparation due to the potency of its ingredients. First, the Martian Mesas Spice is ground into a fine powder and added to a shaker with Red Dust Extract and Stellarfruit Syrup. The mixture is shaken vigorously with ice to chill the drink without dulling its powerful flavors. Finally, a dash of Venusian Heatwave Citrus is added just before straining the cocktail into a sleek, etched glass.
The drink is served in a transparent, acid-resistant glass with a swirling pattern to mimic the movement of solar winds. Often, the glass is rimmed with Martian salt to enhance the already complex flavor profile. As the drink is served, it glows with a fiery orange hue, casting a mesmerizing light in the low-lit bar.
Cultural Significance
The Solar Flare has garnered a reputation as a drink for the adventurous and the bold. Only a select few patrons have ever finished the cocktail, due to both its intensity and the rumored side effects of the Martian Mesas Spice. Some patrons report experiencing heightened senses, while others claim the drink induces strange dreams and fleeting visions of the Martian deserts.
The Solar Flare symbolizes the untamed, unpredictable nature of Mars itself. Its creation by Tariks reflects his deep connection to the Martian landscape and his willingness to experiment with ingredients from across the solar system. The drink’s fiery appearance and powerful effects have made it a sought-after yet elusive experience for those brave enough to try it.
The Mystery of the Solar Flare
Rumors persist about the true nature of the drink's key ingredient, the Martian Mesas Spice. Some say Tariks discovered it during his early explorations of the Martian deserts, while others believe the spice is not of Martian origin at all, but something alien. Despite the speculation, Tariks has never confirmed the truth, adding to the drink’s allure.
- ↑ Barsoon is a popular entertainment venue located in the heart of Cydonia Mensae
- ↑ Cydonia Mensae has transformed into one of Mars’ most visited tourist destinations.
- ↑ Europa, one of Jupiter's Galilean moons.