Bringer of cooler weather and busier schedules, fall is also the beginning of the holiday season. Just head to your local grocer, and you’re likely to see Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even Christmas décor already.
Drink away the stress of the impending season at the Pantry. Starting next Monday, both bars will serve a new menu penned by Bar Manager Gene Lee. From a taste of the classics to Christmas in a cup, he has you covered.
First up is the Bitter Fruit, which consists of Bulleit Bourbon, Roasted Apple Shrub, Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters, and a Roasted Apple Wedge. “This one is fun for me because I get to burn something,” laughs Gene. The apple wedge comes sliced and roasted, adding a nice touch of harvest flavor.
To keep a classic on the list, Gene added the Sidecar. Prepared with Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Lemon Juice, Sugar and a Lemon Twist, this one is the real deal. “I always like to keep one classic on the list,” he says.
The Spice Republica boasts of Becherovka, El Dorado 12 Year Rum, Cherry Heering, Carpano Antica, and an Orange Twist. The drink is quite good, as Gene says, “It’s Christmas in a drink in every since of the word – it basically tastes like a gingerbread cookie.” For a fun taste of the season, give it a try, as the spice is completely balanced and not overwhelming.
Gene is especially excited to debut his Plantation Rum cocktail, which he’s calling the Pineapple Express. Consisting of Plantation Pineapple Rum Stiggins’ Fancy, Domaine de Canton, Lime Juice, Sorghum Syrup, and a Lime Twist, this drink will leave you coming back for more. “I tried some different things with this one,” he says, “I ended up really loving the sorghum as my source of sugar.”
If you’re feeling like you might need a touch of gin, try the Gin & Berry’s. Citadelle Gin, Clear Creek Blackberry Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Soda and a Lemon Wheel come together in this delectable drink. “I always throw in a chick drink,” he says, “but I’m pretty excited about the blackberries in this one.”
Last but not least, is the Foreign Affair. Packed with Ilegal Joven Mezcal, Aperol, Maraschino Liqueur, Luxardo Fernet, Grapefruit Juice, Lime Juice, and a Grapefruit Twist, this drink is not for the faint-hearted. “That smoky taste is everything,” says Gene, “I just love working with mezcal.”
[gview file=”http://www.rockcityeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Pantry-Cocktails.pdf”]
