Cause a Stir
Three Unique Cocktails to Cozy Up to This Winter
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Whatever happened to the perfect neighborhood bar? You know the one: a mix of your local favorite and the bar from the movies. It has short but sweet list of necessities. It should feel cozy but not stuffy and act like an extension of your living room. The music, at just the right volume, sounds like a mixtape made just for you. The cocktails balance your go-to’s with thoughtful concoctions you never knew you needed. Everybody there may not actually know your name, but heck, you definitely feel at home.
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Bar Meridian in Prospect Park feels like this. The newest kid on the Brooklyn block seeks to resurrect the corner bar. And what’s so special about that? Well, they’ve managed to hit the mark in every way. Conversation flows effortlessly thanks to a beautifully-designed horseshoe-shaped bar. It’s impossible not to fall for the jukebox, with an ever-rotating playlist curated by friends and patrons. You'll want to hunker down in one of the booths for hours, while you wait for winter to pass you by. Once you’re fully immersed, leaning up against the jukebox fantasizing about life as The Fonz, the cocktail menu snaps you right back into reality. It's fresh and current.
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The cocktails are handpicked to feel familiar. They offer something for everyone, but bring ingredients that are delightfully unexpected. The owner, Sage Geyer, and his team used their network for personal recommendations of local distilleries, self-distributed beer, and natural wines to build a ‘community bar’ in its truest sense.
In a world where big-brand liquor is as ubiquitous as the bars that serve them, it’s refreshing to experience a selection that leans on independent makers. The Meridian crew gave us the scoop on three signature drinks from their winter menu, perfect for re-imagining and staving of the winter chill with local spirits no matter where you are. Start sending out some invites and don’t be afraid to add your own twist, your next cocktail party won’t know what hit it.
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The Buick
Developed for their grand opening menu, the Buick is a take on the Cadillac margarita, made even more superb and smokey. The recipe provides hints of orange without being overly sweet, and a dash of Amaro gives a warming, caramel-y taste that’s perfect for colder months. The Buick is a drink primed for multiple rounds. Sweet but not overwhelming, it’s like a winter vacation in your living room.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz - Del Maguey Video Mezcal
- 0.5 oz - Dry Curaçao
- 0.5 oz - Meletti Amaro
- 0.5 oz - Fresh lime
Combine in a cocktail shaker and give it some elbow, strain over ice into a stemless wine glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
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The Del Bac Shock
A personal superfan of the spirits involved, Geyer set out to combine them instead of picking one favorite. When mixed, he assumed the result would be smokey and coffee-centric, but instead, got a mysterious yet delicious result, hence the shock. “It’s the perfect drink to end a busy day and get the night started and the coffee liqueur adds a touch of caffeine to give you the kick you need.”, he says.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz - Del Bac Mesquite Smoked Single Malt American Whiskey
- 0.75 oz - Forthave Spirits Coffee Liqueur
- 0.5 oz - Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Combine in a separate glass and stir things up, strain over ice into a short tumbler. Garnish with a cherry.
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The Last Call Negroni
It’s last call, and this one is primed to be your final sip of the night. The absence of gin makes this the ideal combination of festive and low-key to make for a lower ABV cocktail. It’s perfect for mixing one more without the next-day regret, or to sip all night and keep spirits high.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz - St. Agrestis Inferno Bitter
- 1 oz - Contratto Vermouth Bianco
- 3 oz - Azimut Cava Brut Nature or similar sparkling wine
Combine right into a champagne flute, add ice and top with cava. Garnish with a twist of orange.
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Your usual shelf is just a jumping off point. Introduce a tweak to your favorite recipe with some local craft spirits and let your next soirée or night-in get a little warmer with a whole new world of options.
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