The apple brandy and rye-based Electioneer from Kimball House. Courtesy of Kimball House
By Beth McKibben
Dec 22, 2016
Since becoming the dining team’s drinker-in-chief, I’ve spent the year sipping through Atlanta’s cocktails in the name of research. I admit, the job isn’t hard. What I did find difficult was breaking down a year’s worth of tippling into a list of the ten finest. Through a most unscientific process and in no particular order, I give you the top ten drinks I sipped in 2016.
The Stinger from Marcel. Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee
Stinger at Marcel
A pre-Prohibition cocktail favored by the upper crust, this drink was considered the cap at the end of a long night. Comprised of Cognac and creme de menthe, the Stinger leans toward the sweeter side and often tastes of Scope. Marcel's update swaps out the syrupy creme de menthe for the lighter spearmint notes of menthe pastille for a crisp, modern cocktail.
541 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-524-5005, staplehouse.com.
Corkage Fee from BoccaLupo. Photo: Caroline Clements
Corkage Fee at BoccaLupo
Grabbing a stool at BoccaLupo’s 12-seater bar means you’re in for a fantastic meal and equally fantastic drinks from the team of Austin Huckaby and Hallie Stieber. The Corkage Fee is a riff on the rye-based Boulevardier with the lighter, sweeter Campari replaced by the bitter artichoke notes of Cynar 70. A scotch rinse gives the drink a hint of smokiness.
Beverage director Jeff Banks took six months to finally perfect the 1890s sherry and vermouth-based Bamboo. The problem? Finding balance between the vermouth and sherry. The solution? Maderize (oxidize over heat) the vermouth with lemon peels. Brush’s equal parts Bamboo is refreshing and light with just enough depth to keep brown spirits lovers happy.
316 Church St., Decatur. 678-949-9412, brushatl.com.
Ode to Viceroy from The Mercury. Photo: Justen Clay
Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-500-5253, themercuryatl.com.
Aviation from Bread & Butterfly. Photo: Beth McKibben
Aviation at Bread & Butterfly
The pre-Prohibition Aviation is notorious for being unbalanced. It’s challenging to bring gin, maraschino, lemon and crème de violette into harmony with one another. Bread & Butterfly’s exceptional Aviation is a shade of soft lavender, carrying subtle hints of juniper and candied sweetness, and cleanses the palate with lemon between sips.
You’ve gathered I dig dark spirits. But not all brown spirits are alike. Take Cognac and a finely aged rum and their happy marriage in the Yankee Dollar. The cocktail’s base is slightly funky but has the volume (and proof) turned down with vermouth. Add amaro for a colonial-inspired Boulevardier.
Krog Street Market, 99 Krog St. NE W, Atlanta. 404.458.4534, ticonderogaclub.com.
Two World Hero from Empire State South. Photo: Jonathan Aherin
Two World Heroat Empire State South
Kellie Thorn's award-winning Vieux Carre riff Two World Hero is a perennial favorite of mine. Thorn describes the drink as an "introductory Cognac cocktail for whiskey drinkers." While the predominant spirit is Cognac, rye is added for familiarity. A 10-minute infusion of black tea melds the dual base to which sweet vermouth and red wine syrup are added. 999 Peachtree St. NE #140, Atlanta. 404-541-1105, empirestatesouth.com.
Chester Copperpot at Ration and Dram
Red sky at night, sailors (and pirates) delight. Another Goonies-inspired drink, this Old Fashioned is comprised of Plantation Pineapple Rum and creme de noyaux (almond-flavored liqueur.) The noyaux further highlights the subtle pineapple notes and gives the drink its ruddy, sunset hue.
I sipped on the seasonally-inspired Electioneer on a post-Thanksgiving evening. Full of four of my favorite ingredients (rye, apple brandy, vermouth and absinthe,) this potent tipple takes its cue from the 1880s Saratoga (Manhattan-esque cocktail) and is given a boost with absinthe. Strong and charming, the aptly-named cocktail campaigned hard for my affection...and won.
