Summer is a busy time at Elsmere's bar, but our bar manager's creativity keeps the drink menu fresh during the thirstiest months of the year. It turns out that his cocktail inspiration comes from years of memorable summer experiences, and now he's ready to share them with you. Kick back, grab a glass of your favorite libation, (say "hello" to Jared, our Bar Manager) and read on!
This is the first year in many that I have not spent any time at a camp during the summer months. While so many of my friends and relatives are out barbecuing, swimming and imbibing, I am working 6 days a week and burning the candle at both ends. The warm weather makes me thirsty for change and sings songs of sea breezes and camp fires. I pine for a weekend away, long for a retreat, and obsess over the moment when I can put my feet up and watch a sunset with two fingers of a middle aged single malt. That’s why my Saturday night ritual is so important. After a night at Elsmere of checking on customers, helping servers deliver drinks and meals, and generally trying to stay out of the way of our amazing staff, I leave the restaurant ready to start my “weekend”.
A night cap can be just what one needs to get that feeling of relaxation and summer satisfaction. A good cocktail can taste and smell like a moment in time; a snapshot of beach hangs and lawn games served chilled or on the rocks. That’s why I try and invoke those memories when I don’t necessarily have the time to make them. I will grab a seat with a few friends at a bar and catch up on all the craziness while sipping on something slightly sweet and citrusy with a hint of bitter. A Negroni, or a Penicillin will typically do the trick. For me, these moments are essential to maintaining my sanity in getting through a busy summer week.
One of my missions with the bar at Elsmere is to create a space, a menu, and an environment that cultivates good energy and great conversation, with a backdrop of delicious libations for any occasion. Let us help you sink into the moment, and provide a toast for the warm weather and the spirit of making memories with the ones you love. Here are a few cocktails from our menu that are perfect for the precious remaining weeks of summer.
The Perfect Pair – (Not always available. Check out our cocktail specials.)
This cocktail was created by one of our bartenders Sarah Basset. She was with her mom and a few friends in Boston for a night on the town, and had a bartender put together something similar. She told me how she could make it better, and it sounded delicious. It’s simple and light, yet dangerously tasty.
1 ½ oz. House made pear infused vodka
½ oz. Fresh lemon juice
¾ oz. St. Germain elderflower liquor
Stirred and served over ice in a stemless wine glass. Topped with prosecco and a lemon twist.
Train Wreck
This cocktail is for sure a crowd pleaser. With flavors of pineapple, ginger, and lemon. This makes me want to hop on the next flight to Bermuda. I can’t say it enough, the next time you’re in the neighborhood have one of our amazing bartenders whip you up one of these.
1 ½ oz. Goslings Black Seal Rum
1 ½ oz. Pineapple Juice
½ oz. Fresh lemon juice
½ oz. Ginger syrup
Dash of Peychauds Bitters, and dash of Angostura Bitters
Shaken, served on the rocks with a cherry and a lemon twist.
One More Gin Fizz
In this cocktail, we use seasonal fruit puree’s, or basically anything we think sounds interesting. It has a beautifully smooth and frothy texture with bright fruit and citrus flavors. Excellent drink to sip while enjoying some sun on our patio.
1 ½ oz. Tanqueray gin
1 oz. simple syrup
½ oz. Fresh lemon juice
¾ oz. Fresh fruit puree (Blood Orange in this case)
1 Egg white
Dry shake ingredients, add ice and shake again. Strain over ice in a mason jar, top with seltzer and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Cheers to the last few sips of summer!