By now we all know that the Pantry’s Bar Manager Gene Lee is essentially a cocktail wizard. His past seasonal menus have been consistently drinkable, funky, yet classically inspired. Plus, there’s always a little something for everyone.
This time around is no different, as Gene has recently prepared a killer list of drinks.
First up is the Daiquiri, which traditionally should be more tropical than sweet. Gene says, “That’s what you’re supposed to order from a bartender to see if they’re good – a daiquiri.” His take is pretty solid with Rhum Barbancourt, lime juice, simple syrup, and garnished with a lime wheel.
Try the Daiquiri on the patio, and then opt for another perfect spring sipper, the Vagabond 2.0, a take on a popular past Pantry drink – the Vagabond. He says of the 2.0, “This is made with some similar ingredients, but I almost made it into a spritzer. It’s for sitting and sipping on the patio – I think it’d be amazing out there because Aperol is one of those things where the longer it sits and dilutes, the better it gets.”
With La Puerta Negra Reposado, Aperol, Trimbach Pear Brandy, lemon juice, honey syrup, soda, and a lemon and orange wheel, you’re bound to need more than one. Do try to drink this one slowly, though folks, as it sneaks up on you.
If you’re into bright colors, check out the Blue Bols. This drink is bright blue, and tastes a little bit like sweet, sweet electricity. With the combination of Bols Genever, Bols Blue Curacao, Rothman & Winter Apricot Liqueur, lemon juice, honey syrup, soda garnished with a lemon wheel – trust me – you’ll be in apricot heaven.
If you’d something a little less bright and fruity, take a crack at The Art of Gin. The combination of Broker’s Gin, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Cynar, Angostura Bitters topped with a lemon will have you feeling a little more even-keeled.
For an even more classic taste, go with the Brick House. You’ll feel high-class when you sample the drink filled with Rittenhouse Rye, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Dolin Rouge Vermouth, House Made Grenadine, Lemon Juice, Regan’s Orange Bitters, and a Brandied Cherry.
Perhaps you’d rather have a taste of Becherovka, one of the Pantry’s key base liquors. This time around Gene has whipped up one you’ll remember – or forget – called Czeched Out. He says, “It’s different. Of all the drinks on the list, I definitely think it’s the most complex and fun.”
Mixed with Becherovka, Citadelle Gin, Yellow Chartreuse and Lemon Juice, it’s a beautifully subtle drink. Don’t be fooled by the citrus-like green-yellow tint, it’s much more herbal than it looks. I suggest three or four of these for a perfect evening.
Ready to start sipping? Catch these cocktails first at the 7th Anniversary Party on Sunday, April 10 from 2 – 5 p.m. at The Pantry West. If you can’t make it, don’t fret, the new drinks will be out Monday, April 11.
Spring Cocktail List:
Daiquiri
Rhum Barbancourt, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Lime Wheel
Czeched Out
Becherovka, Citadelle Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, Lemon Juice
The Art Of Gin
Broker’s Gin, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Cynar, Angostura Bitters, Lemon Twist
Brick House
Rittenhouse Rye, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Dolin Rouge Vermouth, House Made Grenadine, Lemon Juice, Regan’s Orange Bitters, Brandied Cherry
Blue Bols
Bols Genever, Bols Blue Curacao, Rothman & Winter Apricot Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup, Soda, Lemon Wheel
Vagabond 2.0
La Puerta Negra Reposado, Aperol, Trimbach Pear Brandy, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup, Soda, Lemon and Orange Wheel
