Cheers to the end of this emotional roller coaster of a winter (seriously Mother Nature, snow in April? Poor form!) and double cheers to the re-opening of our Cocktail Terrace! With a new season comes a new cocktail list, and the bar staff is proud to present the new beverage menu! We’ve taken classic warm weather cocktails and given them new life with fresh ingredients and unexpected twists. Love mojitos? Be sure to try the Pineapple Express, a classic mojito with the addition of pineapple charred in the Metropole fireplace! Can’t even think about drinking a beer in the heat unless it’s a shandy? Try the Slim Shandy, our take on the traditional shandy with our delightful house made jasmine-cilantro lemonade. We’ve also brought back some favorites from last year’s list like the Alfonso and the Kiki. And of course, no Cocktail Terrace experience would be complete without ordering one of our trademark Poptails! Don’t know what a Poptail is? Allow me to expand your cocktail horizons with some magical frozen knowledge! We create flavored house made popsicles and pair them with complementary chilled shots of liquor. For instance, our lavender blueberry popsicle served in a shot of limoncello and vodka. How do you drink/eat one? Any way you please! Swirl it around in the liquor to add flavor, take a bite, take a sip, take another bite and then swirl some more! You know how sometimes in your adult life you have moments where you think, if kid me could see adult me right now, she would think I’m so awesome, like when you’re eating ice cream in the middle of the day in your PJ’s. Such is the experience with the Poptail. So next time you’re enjoying a Poptail on a warm spring evening on the Cocktail Terrace just think, you’re welcome kid me, you’re welcome.
Another reason to celebrate in the month of May is the grand tradition of the Kentucky Derby! Whip out the big hats, seersucker suits and of course mint juleps! If you can’t make it to Churchill Downs for the big race, stop by Metropole and check out our tempting take on the classic Mint Julep that we’ll be featuring through Derby weekend: The Triple Threat. This cocktail embodies the refined freshness of the julep by combining lavender, cucumber and basil in place of mint. And as 21c is always looking to expand its southern charm to all corners of the country, we’ll also be featuring The Triple Threat at the Brooklyn Derby along with The Woodland Farm cocktail, a more traditional take on the julep with the addition of rosemary and grapefruit to add a nice earthy tang. The Brooklyn Derby is a unique event held in Brooklyn New York that celebrates all things Derby! 21c will be there representing southern hospitality and really, what is more hospitable than bringing cocktails to a party? And since the rosemary mint flavors in The Woodland Farm cocktail are so perfect for this time of year, we’ve included the recipe for this syrup so you can try at home!
PREP:
ROSEMARY MINT SIMPLE
3 cups water
3 cups sugar
1.5 cups mint leaves
3 sprigs of rosemary
Add sugar and water to a large pot over medium high heat. Once sugar has dissolved add herbs and stir. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and then strain mixture. Store in cooler.
There really is so much to celebrate and we hope to see all your smiling faces at Metropole and the Cocktail Terrace for a toast or two! Sunshine, cocktails and fun times are ahead!
Cheers!
Your neighborhood bartender,
Catherine Manabat