Cocktail of the Month: Cherry Vanilla Shrub

If you ever find yourself near Tyson’s Corner (Vienna) in Virginia, newly opened Greenhouse Bistro and Tea Lounge (2070 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA 22182) should be on your radar. With herbs growing on their ‘living wall’, crafted teas & coffees on hand, and live Flamenco, the lounge promises to be a new go-to for DMV residents who want to explore. This month we’re highlighting one of Greenhouse's colorful cocktails that’s perfect for the summer heat, the Cherry Vanilla Shrub. It contains Bulleit Bourbon, which for a bourbon, has a high rye content that probably lends to it’s signature taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Bulleit Bourbon
• 2 ounces cherry-vanilla shrubs*
• 2 ounces club soda
• Garnish: 3 preserved cherries from shrubs
  • *Shrub is made in-house by combining apple cider vinegar, pitted cherries, and vanilla beans, and preserving the cherries for two weeks before serving.

Instructions:

Combine and serve.

The cocktail is perfect to enjoy on a warm summer's day or at night with friends.  Don't forget to tell Greenhouse we sent you!

Greenhouse Bistro and Tea Lounge

Cheers!

- Nyasha Chikowore

Photo Credit: Greenhouse Bistro and Tea Lounge

Cocktail of the Month: Coco Piñ​a Scotch Cocktail

This month we're sharing one of the newest seasonal cocktails at our favorite D.C. rooftop bar, POV Lounge at the W Hotel (515 15th Street NW).  Crafted by senior bartender Tracy Javier, this cocktail is delicious and obsession-worthy.  The main ingredient is coconut-infused scotch (whisky made in Scotland), which is impossible to find on the shelves in your local liquor store. So how is the scotch infused with coconut? 

Coconut oil is infused in the Scotch through a process called fat-washing.  Fat-washing is when a liquid (in this case coconut oil) is added to a spirit (scotch) at room temperature.  First, the spirit sits at room temperature for a few hours. Then its placed in the refrigerator or freezer until the fat hardens and can be skimmed off the top.  Sounds easy enough, right?  Sure does. Now introducing, the Coco Piña Scotch Cocktail: 

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz coconut infused Scotch
• 1.5 oz pineapple juice
• .5 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 cherry & 1 lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients. Then shake and strain over a freshly iced Collins glass.

Photo Credit: Marissa Millet

While there's a little more work and time involved in this cocktail, it's the perfect way to impress your guests with your cocktail knowledge and encourage them to try something out of their comfort zone.  Happy drinking!