Often fun and celebratory, a good cocktail is just what you need after a long, hard day. With that in mind, our Inspectors sipped their way from New York to Washington, D.C. and over to Chicago. These five cocktails made a lasting impression and rank among the best they’ve enjoyed this year. Cheers!
Dhamaka, New York
Goan Gangster
This cocktail was made with homemade coconut toddy, Paul John single malt, Amaro Nardini, coconut foam, and ash. Served in a coconut shell and topped with a coconut foam flecked with ash. The shell was perched on a silver holder, so it didn’t roll around on the table.
Gabriel Kreuther, New York
The Alpinist
A Negroni-inspired combination of Cobrafire Blanche, Italicus, and Zirbenz Stone Pine liqueur.
Kumiko, Chicago
Agony of the Leaf
This tea-based cocktail was made with sweet potato shochu. It was slightly bitter but really complex. The name is a reference to the softening of the tea leaf in hot water, when it begins to express its flavor and color.
Rania, Washington, D.C.
Anaritha
This can be a difficult one to pull off but ut was done beautifully. Banana-stepped Cachata with tandoori roasted pineapple, notes of cumin, masala syrup and lychee foam. Balanced. Good acid. Frothy and textured up top.
Hero image: Joseph Weaver/Bar Spero
Thumbnail: Courtesy of Gabriel Kreuther
