As the St. Louis restaurant scene continues to thrive, so does the local cocktail culture. The knowledge that is expected of an average bartender has been elevated, and the next generation of talented mixologists is finding new ways to use old trends to impress patrons. So next time you’re ordering a drink, branch out of your comfort zone and order one of these five cocktails to make you seem ‘in the know.’
1. the bobby burns
Named after Scottish poet Robert Burns, this cocktail uses Scotch, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine, a French herbal liquor. This a great drink for Manhattan lovers who want to try something different.
2. the aviation
This can turn heads when ordered because of its color; it’s one of the only cocktails I can think of that is purple. It contains crème de violette, an herbal and floral liqueur that plays well with the drink’s gin, maraschino liqueur and lemon juice. It tends to lean on the bitter side, which is usually not the case with colored cocktails.
3. the vesper
Made famous in the James Bond movie Casino Royale, it’s named for the fictional double agent Vesper Lynd. The gin-heavy cocktail also contains vodka and Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif made from the Semillon grape from the Bordeaux region. Remember to order shaken, not stirred.
4. the paper plane
This is a great drink for the bourbon drinker who wants something different. Equal parts Aperol, lemon juice, Amaro Nonino and bourbon, all of the elements balance perfectly when made correctly. For those who are into home mixology, this is a great cocktail to barrel age. (Add the lemon juice later.)
5. the last word
Any drink that can trace its roots to the Prohibition era is inevitably cool in today’s cocktail world. Becoming more and more popular in recent years, this contains green Chartreuse, a French liqueur made by Carthusian monks. Only two people in the world know the Chartreuse recipe, and it once was used for its medicinal benefits. Mixed with maraschino liqueur, lime juice and gin, this drink definitely packs a punch and should be well-received by the adventurous cocktail connoisseur
Anthony Geary is sommelier at The Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.