at The Continental Lounge.
By Wini Moranville
In the issue of dsm being unveiled today, we feature five great drinks that showcase Des Moines’ flourishing craft cocktail movement. (Get a sneak peek of the article here.) Since that article went to print, however, I’ve caught wind of some enticing autumn-perfect drinks to enjoy right now.
At Table 128 in Clive, expert barman Blake Brown is turning heads with his Fall Pear Toddy, a warm drink with pear brandy, ginger liqueur, lemon juice and spices. While that one is particularly popular with customers, co-owner Sarah Pritchard’s current favorite is the Fitted Leather Glove, featuring a rare scotch, Becherovka (a Czech herbal liqueur), cherry liqueur and mint bitters. “It truly smells like a riding glove,” Sarah says; flavorwise, however, it brings a smooth smoky-peaty earthiness framed with a lightly sweet, herbal tinge.
Across town in the East Village, Jennifer DuBay at The Continental Lounge is tapping into seasonal flavors, too, with libations such as the Turkey Shoot, featuring Cedar Ridge apple brandy, Wild Turkey, and Lillet Blanc, as well as the Cedar Ridge Apple Toddy, in which the Iowa apple brandy stars with roasted Granny Smith apples and cream.
Table 128 Bar and Bistro is at 12695 University Ave.; 327-7427. The Continental Lounge is at 428 E. Locust St.; 244-5845.
