Making Spirits Bright
VISIONARY RICHES – SUNDA NEW ASIAN
What’s in it? Rittenhouse Rye, Mancino Vermouth Rosso Amaranto, Luxardo Maraschino, Amaro Montenegro, Bittermans Burlesque Bitters, Falernum
Mixologist and Beverage Director for The Gulch’s newest addition, Sunda, Nahm Kim knocks one out of the park with this bitter take on a Manhattan. “I wanted to make a rye cocktail that would be reminiscent of autumn weather. I started with Rittenhouse, then added a few different ingredients to coax out a bit of fruit and smooth out the whiskey bite.” Beautiful, velvety Falernum offers notes of ginger, anise, cloves, allspice, and citrus, perfect for the season. The addition of acai-hibiscus bitters brings the cocktail to a perfectly balanced finish that’s stop-what-you’re-eating-and-try-this good.
RORSCHACH NEGRONI – THE FOX BAR AND COCKTAIL CLUB
What’s in it? Boodles Gin, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Squid Ink, Buttermilk Chocolate
For a speakeasy-style bar with a reputation for excellence, the Rorschach Negroni is no surprise. To a Negroni fan, it’s Christmas morning. It is the brainchild of bartender Lindsay Brunson. “I had to create a Negroni for Negroni week back in June, and wanted to do something different. I’ve also always wanted to work with squid ink, so I combined the two. Using Luxardo Bianco and Dolin Blanc so that the ink could take over the color of the cocktail. The ink just really smooths the flavors over and gives it a really great visual effect. I wanted to throw in another texture, so I shaved some buttermilk chocolate across the top. It’s great to see the reactions of guest who order it and are not expecting this jet black and white cocktail. It’s definitely one of my favorite drinks that I have done.
RAMBLER ICED COFFEE – RAMBLER
What’s in it? Dark Rum, Demerara Sugar, Cold Brew, Amaro Whipped Cream
Bar Consultant, Freddy Schwenk brings a refreshing coffee cocktail to the cooler weather with a rich, demerara simple syrup and the delicious, bitter, herbal liquor Averna Amaro, which totes flavors of licorice, citrus, chocolate, and vanilla. A great cocktail to sip with friends and family, this one translates wonderfully to your home gathering!
THREE CITY BOULEVARD – AVO
What’s in it? Green Tea Infused Pisco, Agave, Lime, Pomegranate-Ginger Soda
Assistant manager, Hans Lambert brings a lighter libation to the holiday table. Herbal notes of tea meld beautifully with the smooth, Peruvian spirit, Pisco, made from fermented grapes. Tart pomegranate and spicy, festive ginger are accented by bright lime juice, making this well-rounded offering just a little too easy to drink down.
THE 404 OLD FASHIONED – THE 404 KITCHEN
What’s in it? Brown Butter-Washed Old Grand-dad Bourbon, Roasted Pecan Syrup, Bitters
The old fashioned at The 404 Kitchen is, by far, their most popular cocktail. One sip, and it’s abundantly clear as to why. The creamy, buttery mouth-feel, nutty syrup, warming bourbon, and perfect apple chip garnish are just the remedy for cooler weather. The atmosphere at Gertie’s bar isn’t too shabby, either.