Sound Bites 13.2: 1886 Bar @ The Raymond - Winter Cocktails 2014

I get a little excited whenever the season changes because that means 1886 has a bevy of new cocktails to try.  And try we did when HC, Jennio, and I were invited to preview the winter menu inspired by Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are.

Hot: 

• Czech Mate - Becherovka, along with house made tamarind syrup and orange bitters.  Served warm in a signature toddy glass.
  Warms you up like a toddy should.  Love the giant fancy mug.  
• The Snowbird - A blend of rums, accompanied by a hot chai latte.  Garnished with cinnamon. 
  I can imagine drinking this by the fireplace.

Stirred:

• From Prussia with Love - Blood Orange infused vodka, with Lillet Rouge and orange bitters.   
• Memphis Bound - Fighting Cock Bourbon, two kinds tinctures, and garnished with jalapeno bacon. 
  Makes me think of cowboys, especially with the use of Memphis barbecue bitters.  I liked the spicy kick from garnish to drink.  The only downside?  One piece of bacon is never enough for me.
• The Bull's Eye - Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Nocino, and Crème de Cassis.
  Slightly sweetened Manhattan...that I can actually drink (since I'm not usually a fan of Manhattans).  

  

  From Prussia with Love / Memphis Bound / The Bull's Eye

Shaken: 

• Rico Suave - House made fruit and spice mix, served with a Bavarian Hefewizen. 
• Sao Paolo Fix - Cuca Fresca cachaca, muddled lime, and imported preserves. 
  Loved the St. Dalfour French blackberry jam at the bottom.
• Moroccan Exchange - A blend of rums, with exotic North African spices.
  Wonderful aroma and great mix of savory and sweet.  
• Wild Inside - Saffron Infused Gin, mint, and pomegranate.  

  

  Rico Suave / Sao Paolo Fix
  Moroccan Exchange / Wild Inside

Food: 

• Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower with mint-cucumber dip -  
  Nice vegetarian option. 
• Steamed Mussels, angry lady sauce, Chinese sausage - 
  Why don't more mussel dishes have Chinese sausage?  It added a nice touch of sweetness.  Broth was so good, we got extra bread rolls to sop it all up. 
  

Song Pairing:
Wake Up by Arcade Fire
The song always makes me think of the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are.


Past 1886 Posts:

• Sound Bites 13.1
• Sound Bites 13.0