As much as I love good food, I think I love a good cocktail just as much, especially when it perfectly complements my meal. As I am getting acquainted with my new city and the great food here, I am finding that there are some great cocktails in the great city of Atlanta.
A few months ago, I realized that I really like champagne and I’m beginning to feel every day (or at least every day on vacation) should start with a glass of bubbly. One of my favorite champagnes is Chandon. I was fortunate enough earlier this year to spend an afternoon at their vineyard in Napa with friends. A visit to Chandon in Napa Valley is a must do!
There are several great drinks that include champagne but my favorite is a French 75. French 75 is made with champagne, gin, lemon juice and sugar. My two fav places in Atlanta for a French 75 are Two Urban Licks and BeetleCat. For me the combination of gin and champagne gives you the best of two worlds: sweet and strong! I like this drink so much that I started making them at home!
My friend Andre turned me on to this next drink and restaurant. The drink and the restaurant share the same name (kinda): Lady Lawrence at The Lawrence. The Lady Lawrence is a combination of lavender mint tea vodka, ginger, cassis, lime and soda. This cocktail looks pretty and tastes pretty. I am a fan of lavender and in this drink, it does not disappoint.
This next drink is from one of my favorite Atlanta spots, Two Urban Licks. It is the 20th Century, a combination of Hawthorne London dry gin, crème de cacaco, Cocchi Americano and lemon. If you love chocolate, this is the drink for you. The chocolate is gentle and not overpowering but just enough to let you know that it’s there! Chocolate lovers beware: you won’t be able to stop yourself at just one with this drink; I know I didn’t!
This last drink was a total shocker to me because I am not really a scotch drinker, but once again The Mercury hits the nail on the head with this one. The Rob Roy, made of Glenlivet 12 year, vermouth, bitters and topped with a cherry, just may make me a part-time scotch drinker. This drink was created by a bartender in NYC at the Waldorf Astoria in honor of composer Reginald De Koven and lyricist Harry B. Smith. You can do this drink sweet or dry, depending on your preference with the vermouth. I prefer it sweet to take the edge off the scotch. I had this drink, accompanied by oysters, while catching up with friends after work on a Friday evening. It was a great way to kick off the weekend!
I’ve had so many great cocktails so far this summer and am looking forward to trying many more. The right cocktail can elevate your entire dining experience. Once again, Atlanta is not disappointing me. It makes me wonder: what took me so long to move here?
Have a great summer cocktail no matter where you are!! Cheers!
