When you’re enjoying a special evening out with friends or a loved one, if you’re of age, enjoying a creative cocktail can be a fun way to celebrate. To that end, we highlight a handful of options found right here in Berks.
From State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen
Wyomissing
courtesy Rayna Eubanks
1 Wellington Blvd., Wyomissing | 610.670.2052 | statehillcocktailsandkitchen.com
Men’s Favorite: Cedar Smoked Old-fashioned
A sweet bourbon finish with a hint of smoky apple and orange.
What makes this drink unique?
The way we smoke the cedar cinders on the plank board and the apple syrup. This is very unique to State Hill.
Who does this drink appeal to?
This drink is definitely for the bourbon lover and oldfashioned lover alike. Old-fashioned lovers are in for a treat with this one because we can customize it to each guest’s palate.
What mood or occasion do you think this cocktail suits best?
It’s best suited for a relaxing evening.
Ladies’ Favorite: The Classic Black Espresso Martini
Our Espresso Martinis are made with freshly brewed espresso, Borghetti (aka coffee liqueur) and vodka. All are garnished with a trio of espresso beans for health, wealth and happiness.
What makes it popular?
Espresso Martinis are versatile cocktails that can be enjoyed any time of the day or night. We have more than 13 flavor additions to add to your Espresso Martini, depending on your specific taste or preference at the time. Hazelnut, salted caramel and white chocolate are by far the top year-round favorites. It comes in decaf, too.
If this drink were a personality, how would you describe it?
It would be effortlessly sophisticated with a bold edge.
What’s one pro tip you’d give to inspire someone trying to make this drink at home?
Using good, quality ingredients will always make for the best at-home cocktail. Use freshly brewed espresso or coffee. For the right amount of espresso fluff on top, it’s all about how hard you shake it. Don’t be afraid to throw some muscle behind it.
A Bonus Cocktail: The Black Walnut Manhattan
We start by smoking a cinnamon stick on our plank board and placing the glass over it to let the smoke stick to it. In our shaker, we build and stir this cocktail. Using Old Forrester 100, Nux Alpina imported Black Walnut Liqueur and Amaro Averna from Sicily, the three ingredients make the best and most popular year-round Manhattan we have ever had. It is best enjoyed served up or on the rocks.
What is the go-to garnish for this drink?
One skewered Dark Amarena Cherry. You can’t drink a Manhattan without one of these!
What eat on your menu would you pair this with?
Our Prime Rib. The well-rounded spiced flavors from the Manhattan with the tender, marbled aged, beef cut complement each other perfectly.
Why do you think this cocktail is popular?
Because of the balance of flavors. It’s sweet, bitter and strong. It’s also versatile and easily customizable.
From The Bridge Inn
Pleasantville
courtesy Dan Sickafus
Route 73 & Covered Bridge Road, Pleasantville | 610.689.5818 | bridgeinnpleasantville.com
Men’s Favorite: The Blackberry Bourbon
A combination of bourbon, limoncello and muddled blackberries.
Why do you think this cocktail is popular?
It’s unique in that not a lot of martinis are made with bourbon.
Who does this drink appeal to?
It’s the perfect pick for someone that likes a little kick.
What inspired the creation of this cocktail?
Simply put: people were asking for a bourbon martini, and we made it happen!
A Bonus Cocktail: The Bridge Inn Martini
A combo of Bombay Sapphire gin shaken with red bell pepper and mint, lime juice and simple syrup.
What inspired the creation of this cocktail?
This drink came from a Cuban bartender in South Beach Miami named Angel.
Why do you think this cocktail is popular?
It’s VERY popular because it’s extremely different and unexpectedly good.
What’s one pro tip you’d give to inspire someone trying to make this drink at home?
It’s a must to garnish it with a slice of red bell pepper and a mint sprig.
Ladies’ Favorite: The Alley Cat
A combination of citrus vodka, limoncello and muddled raspberries.
What makes it popular?
It has a bit more pizzazz than a Lemon Drop Martini.
What eat on your menu would you pair this with?
It goes perfectly with our baked brie appetizer.
What’s one pro tip you’d give to inspire someone trying to make this drink at home?
If you’re making this one at home, muddle three or four raspberries and add the other ingredients and garnish, as pictured.
From Austin’s Restaurant & Bar
West Lawn
courtesy Ryan Lobo
1101 Snyder Rd., West Lawn | 610.678.5500 | austinsrestaurant.com
Ladies’ Favorite: Jalp! Not Another Margarita!
A spicy margarita made with fresh-sliced jalapeño, our own house-made sour mix with fresh lime, a squeeze of ruby red grapefruit, Cointreau and 100 percent agave tequila with a Tajin rim.
What mood or occasion do you think this cocktail suits best?
Kick-starting your night out in a good way!
What eat on your menu would you pair this with?
Our Twisted Shrimp, or perhaps the Twisted Burger with a side of black beans and rice.
What’s one pro tip you’d give to someone trying to make this drink at home?
Buy your sour mix at Austin’s Restaurant (yes, we’ll be happy to sell you some!) and don’t skip out on the grapefruit juice, or you’ll be disappointed.
A Bonus Cocktail: Going Pro-secco
(limited availability — get it in February or March)
Our own homemade roasted cranberry and clove syrup shaken with citrus vodka, fresh lime and bubbly prosecco.
Is there a story behind the name of this drink?
Besides Valentine’s Day, February also hosts the Super Bowl, so we thought “going pro” was apropos!
What makes this drink unique?
First, we take real, whole cranberries and roast them with fresh clove. We then blend them with our simple syrup to make one of the most versatile mixers we have ever produced!
Who does this drink appeal to?
Honestly, anyone. The flavors are not too fruity, not too sweet, not too dry — just well balanced and sophisticated.
Men’s Favorite: Smokey the Bourbon
A wood chip-smoked, Woodford Reserve Old-fashioned made with Peychaud’s bitters and burnt orange.
What makes this drink unique?
We actually cap this drink with a wood coaster and trap in the smoke to let it marinate as long as you desire. Pull away the coaster and breathe in some of those delicious aromas!
What mood or occasion do you think this cocktail suits best?
A friendly card game at a ski lodge next to a roaring fireplace with your uncle smoking a pipe nearby.
What’s your go-to garnish or finishing touch for this cocktail?
A burnt slice of orange that we finish on the grill.
