With New Year's Eve approaching, I felt like it was a good time to break up the monotony of always ordering the same cocktail and try something new. Thus, I strayed from my old stand-by, vodka soda, and tried several innovative libations. The novelty cocktail is enjoying a resurgence and various venues are introducing some serious cocktail lists.
This makes me wonder: Why are these drinks becoming so popular? Do they provide an escape from our everyday, ordinary lives? For the most part, I think it is just plain fun to walk up to the bar and order a beverage with the word "S’mores" in the title.
Although I enjoy sweets as much as the next person, I am not what you would consider a “dessert” person. I tend to favor a bag of chips over a cookie, so it was a stretch for me to consume what I thought would surely induce a sugar coma. Yes, most of the drinks I tried are sweeter than what I would normally order, but none were overwhelming. There are no extempore mixtures here: At The Grove, a mixologist creates these crafty concoctions. At Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, a team tests its brews until they come up with just the right recipe. It is "Chemistry 101" for drink connoisseurs. I was pleasantly surprised with the overall outcome of my adventure.
I started off at The Grove with the Revolution Apple Martini. It is similar in taste to a Cosmopolitan. The name kind of says it all: It is sweet, yet crisp, and has a distinct apple-inspired flavor. The bright red color is reminiscent of the holiday season and the floating sliver of delicious honey apple is a bonus.
I also sampled the Bubble Gum Mojito. Upon delivery, this drink looks like your classic mojito with no extra bells and whistles. That is, until you take a sip. The flavor instantly reminded me of the bubble gum snow cones I used to eat and love as a kid (although the color is not blue so no need to worry about the residual Smurf-colored tongues the old snow cones would leave). It tastes like a piece of Hubba Bubba and has made its way onto my list of favorites.
On the other hand, I am not a huge fan of lemon-flavored drinks. I attribute this to one too many lemon drop shots back in my college days. However, in keeping with my theme of branching out, I decided to be audacious and try the Citrus Christmas. Made with local Meyer lemons and organic vodka, this drink is an evenhanded combination of sweet and sour. If, unlike me, you have no aversions to lemony drinks, this one is for you.
I moved on to Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House where I tried the Acai Elderflower Martini. My friends and I have coined the Acai Elderflower as the “healthy” drink. No, it is not fat free, but the taste of fresh cucumber (two muddled and one slice on top) is as light and refreshing as the cucumber water you sip while relaxing at a spa.
The Blackberry Ginger Cocktail is one of the more popular drinks at the bar so, of course, I had to try it. I took a giant sip and tasted pure bourbon. Yikes! Not my cup of tea; however, my friend, Suzy, once told me that bourbon enthusiasts don’t like their bourbon convoluted. A good bourbon should stand on its own. Although this drink comes filled with fresh blackberries, it keeps to the aforementioned rule. This drink was not for me, but it would make Suzy and other bourbon fans proud.
Last, but certainly not least…the S’Mores Martini. Back in my days as a Girl Scout, I used to love making s’mores over a campfire, so I was really excited to try this martini. The flavor holds true to its name and did not disappoint. First, the taste of graham cracker (lined around the rim of the glass). Next, the taste of smooth chocolate followed by a slight marshmallow under note. Word to the wise: You can’t really taste the vodka also in the mix, but don’t confuse this cocktail for a dessert. It packs a punch.
My wish this holiday season? That this martini would stay on the bar menu year-round.
Have a very merry Citrus Christmas at The Grove.
