The Sip’s been on a bit of a hiatus — a dry January and mostly dry February, but looking forward to a fully soused March as bars and restaurants begin rolling out their spring cocktail menus. Here’s a quick roundup of new menus worth a try, plus a cool cocktail-related event.
North Park’s Collins & Coupe (2876 El Cajon Boulevard) is hosting a bitters-making workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1. The afternoon kicks off with a Redbreast Irish Whiskey tasting followed by a hands-on course in making bitters (which you’ll get to take home). The class costs $40 (ticket pre-purchase required) and you’ll get 15 percent off anything you purchase from the shop. Speaking of the shop, on Saturday, February 29, in celebration of Leap Day, Collins & Coupe is offering 29 percent off their outstanding selection of bar tools.
On Friday, March 6, from 7 to 10 p.m., You & Yours Distilling Co. (1495 G Street in East Village) celebrates its third anniversary with complimentary tastings from their new food and cocktail menus and live jazz at 8 p.m.
Prohibition introduced a new cocktail menu this week and I’m particularly enchanted with the gin offerings. There’s a cocktail made with Glendalough Rose Gin (the Floral Faberdashery) and two that feature R&D’s floral bitters. If you like lighter, delicate cocktails, try the White Iris (Zephyr Gin, elderflower liqueur, orgeat, cucumber juice, lemon juice, R&D floral bitters) or You’re Turning Violet, Violet (Empress Gin, Crème de Violette, lemon juice, orgeat, R&D floral bitters).
Speaking of lighter, delicate cocktails, the Mexican 75, a creation of Puesto’s new Bar & Spirits Creative Director, Beau du Bois, is a perfect take on a classic French 75. It’s made with Volcán Blanco tequila, Lillet Rosé, peach bitters, lemon, organic agave nectar, and sparkling wine.