By Wini Moranville
The craft cocktail revolution continues to shake things up on the bar scene. Here are three particularly artful—and refreshing—sips for the season:
• The Hemingway Daiquiri at Malo: The blender may have been the worst thing that ever happened to daiquiris. Once they all started coming out slushy and Mr. Misty-like, they lost their intensity—not to mention their cachet. Malo brings back the daiquiri in all its undiluted, citrusy glory. In Papa Hemingway’s version, a little maraschino liqueur adds depth, grapefruit and lime juice add zip, and rum adds potency. Yes, real men drink pink drinks.
• Moscow mule at the Coda Lounge (in the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel): A popular ‘70s drink, the Moscow mule has definitely made a comeback, and once you taste the refreshing combo of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice, you’ll wonder why it ever fell out of fashion. By using ginger beer brewed at Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co., the Coda Lounge adds a local twist to its recipe.
• The elderflower spritz at Baru 66: French elderflower liqueur mingles with sparkling wine and seltzer for one captivating cocktail. What does elderflower liqueur taste like? Lightly citrusy and, yes, a little floral—but in a delicate, orchard-blossom kind of way. In a word: elegant.
PS: I’ll be serving elderflower spritzes at my “Fast, Fabulous, and French” cooking class held at Vom Fass on June 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.. Won’t you join us? Find details here.
