Belanda Cocktail: Barrel-aged Bols Genever, apricot brandy, East India Sherry, improved bitters.
Forget waiting until fall for new cocktails to drink. The Alcove’s Big Bar Los Feliz just debuted its brand-new midsummer cocktail menu. Bartender Dan Long said he was inspired by the bar/restaurant’s expansive patio, which is perfect for brunch and those Monday movie nights. These “Patio drinks” — tasty takes on daiquiris, Negronis and even gin & tonics — are meant to complement sunny days and sultry nights, which, as we know in L.A. can last through October.
My favorite was the Belanda Cocktail (above) which mates the barrel-aged Bols Genever to apricot brandy and East India Sherry for something reminiscent of a malty, apricot-y Manhattan that will just warm the cockles of your heart. More for ending the night than sipping on a hot day, unless you plan to take a nap soon after in which case it’s perfect.
Not surprisingly, I also loved the St. Anne’s Helper (say that name fast when ordering for a naughty, little kid giggle) which, too, is a satisfying Manhattan-esque sipper. But favorites on the lighter side here include the Gin & Tonic cocktail and the Selero Gin Fizz, Dan’s alternative to a brunch cocktail.
The Fizz is based on a cocktail he did for another place he used to work at. “They were playing around with celery for the summer and I saw that drink with the chartreuse and the honey, and I really thought that celery would go great with it so started playing around, came up with the Fizz. And I’m really happy with it. I think it’s really tasty.” Dan recommends that imbibers take their first sip through the straw and then stir it up getting the ground celery in there and drinking through the foam. I’m not a fan of celery but I must say this was an excellent light cocktail; so summery and fresh.
Anyhoo, here’s a photo gallery of the new midsummer specialty patio drinks now available.
Selero Gin Fizz: Plymouth gin, Green Chartreuse, lime, celery, whites
Gin & Tonic cocktail: Beefeater gin, Quinquina, lime, bergamot, kaffir lime tincture spray. Perfect for a scorching day. Depth but no bubbles. Lime on finish.
Picon Punch: Amaro Montenegro, Pierre Ferrand 1840, lemon, grenadine, orange bitters. If you can, have this with the bacon wrapped dates!
Most Interesting Cocktail in the World: Mezcal Vida, lime, cinnamon syrup, chocolate-chili bitters, cayenne. Created by bartender Matt Schaefer. A mezcal daiquiri that’s perfect for mezcal noobs. The smokeyness of the mezcal blends in nicely with the cinnamon.
St. Anne’s Helper: Eagle Rare 10 year, Carpano Antica, Amaro Meletti, Forbidden Bitters
Sal Paradise: Oro Torontel Pisco, grapefruit, lime, honey, cherry bitters. Sweet tart! The honey and cherry remind me of licking lipgloss on a hot day.
La Rosita: Partida Reposado, Campari, Dolin Dry, Carpano Antica
Jet Stream: Zaya, El Dorado 12 year, Novo Fogo, Campari, LGH fuel. Vanilla-y but bitter.
Thorn in My Side: Knob Creek rye, Bianco, ginger, cider. Spicy, gingery with just a hint of cider.
Chanton de Mer: Sailor Jerry, St. Germain, lemon, grapefruit, bubbles. Dry, prominent elderflower with a hint of grapefruit. This wasn’t really my thing, because of that dryness and the elderflower but can see it going big for brunching.
For a substantial drink rundown, check out this post by booze blogger Chuck Taggart who was at this hosted tasting, too, along with Thirsty in LA and Gourmet Pigs.
Big Bar Los Feliz at Alcove Cafe
1929 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90027 (map)
(323) 644-0100
Facebook: Big Bar
Twitter: @bigbarlosfeliz