Raising the Bar

Written By Robin Cowie Nalepa

This time of year the wind whips and the temperatures drop even in “Famously Hot” Columbia. To keep the chill at bay try one of these sippers recommended by local mixologists. From a sneaky prohibition era “Jewel” to the mingled flavors in the infused Winter Spice martini, these cocktails were made for a cozy winter’s evening.

The Jewel
The Vault Martini Bar
3/4 oz. Chartreuse (Green)
3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth
3/4 oz. Gin
Place all ingredients in a tall mixing glass with ice, stir vigorously and strain into a very well chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry and enjoy!

The Meyer Lansky
Terra
(803) 791-3443
1.5 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon
Juice from ½ Meyer Lemon
Tsp. Maple Syrup
Combine ingredients in a tumbler with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into glass. Garnish with a twist of Meyer lemon.

Tazza Rosso
Rosso Trattoria Italia
(803) 787-3949
1 bottle Super Tuscan or Cabernet wine blend
4 oz Amontillado Sherry
2 oz Maraschino liqueur
Lemon zest
2 tbl. Superfine Sugar
Combine the first three ingredients in a punch bowl. Using a potato peeler, zest a whole lemon and add zest to wine. Stir in sugar and allow to rest for thirty minutes.

Liberty Bloody Mary
Liberty Tap Room & Grill
(803) 461-4677
2.0 oz. Absolute Peppar Vodka
6 oz. Liberty's own thick & spicy secret Bloody Mary Mix
Garnish with Cajun seasoning, celery, shrimp, lime, and olives.

Winter Spice Martini
Momo’s Bistro
(803) 252-2700
1.5 oz. House Infused cinnamon & vanilla vodka
.5 oz. Buttershots
1 oz. Fresh espresso (or coffee)
Splash cream
750ml of vodka needs roughly one vanilla bean, cut and seeded, and six cinnamon sticks. Mix vanilla, cinnamon and vodka in a glass container with a lid. Leave for about 20 hours. Mix all ingredients and shake well. Serve straight up or on the rocks. Garnish with freshly ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.