Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/101724
POLITICAL POTIONS Stayin' Put Inauguration courtesy of Christian Eck, Bar Manager, Art and Soul, Washington, D.C. ✓ 1½ oz. Green Hat Gin ✗ 2 oz. blackberry-infused syrup* ✓ 2 oz. Champagne ✓ Stick of berries, for garnish Libations ✗ Add the gin and syrup to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice, and top with champagne. Garnish with a stick of berries. POLITICS TAKE SECOND PLACE TO FLAVOR IN THESE D.C. AREA COCKTAILS *For the berry simple syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and 1 cup blackberries in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool and strain out solids. by Kelly A. Magyarics 1 10 / the tasting panel / january 2013 1600 Penn PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HAMILTON PHOTO COURTESY OF PARK HYATT DC O n January 20, D.C.-area residents eagerly anticipating four more years can raise a triumphant glass, while those still dealing with crushing loss may require a potent cathartic shot. In victory or defeat, District bartenders are mixing, shaking and stirring cocktails inspired by the pomp and circumstance of the presidential inauguration—and the end (inally!) of election season. At Art and Soul, Bar Manager Christian Eck's "Stayin' Put" ($13) infuses simple syrup with blackberries—one of President Obama's favorite lavors—mixes it with peppery, D.C.distilled Green Hat Gin, and tops the sip with celebratory bubbles. Park Hyatt D.C.'s "1600 Penn" stirs Knob Creek Bourbon, dry vermouth and a few dashes of Angostura Bitters with a reduction of BLiS Maple Syrup and porter from Alexandria, Virginia's Port City Brewing Company. Head Mixologist Taha Ismail of Graffiato was inspired to create his "Politics Schmolitics" ($10) punch after observing two guests argue while watching the debates, then ind common ground amid clinking glasses. For the bipartisan beverage, he mixes Chairman's Reserve Silver Rum and Gosling's Dark Rum with berry tea, Cointreau and orange and Angostura bitters. The "Perfect 44" ($12), whose moniker refers to Obama's chronology in presidential history, is The Hamilton's version of a Perfect Manhattan, eschewing sweet vermouth for blanc. And Oyamel's twist on a Blue Hawaii, the "Isla de Azul" ($12) mingles El Dorado Demerara Rum, Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, blue curaçao, Kalani Coconut Liqueur, pineapple juice and coconut sorbet. courtesy of Park Hyatt Hotel, Washington, D.C. ✗ 2 oz. Knob Creek Bourbon ✗ ½ oz. dry vermouth ✓ ¼ oz. Port City Porter and BLiS Maple Syrup reduction* ✓ Dash Angostura bitters ✗ Cherry for garnish ✓ Add bourbon, bermouth, reduction and bitters to a cocktail shaker. Add ice, and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a cherry. *For the reduction, take equal parts port and maple syrup, add to a saucepan, and simmer until reduced by half. Let cool, and store in the refrigerator. Perfect 44 courtesy of Samantha Withall, Beverage Manager, The Hamilton, Washington, D.C. ✗ 2 oz. FEW Bourbon ✓ ¾ oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth ✗ ¾ oz. Dolin Blanc Vermouth ✗ 3 rye-soaked cherries for garnish ✓ Add bourbon and vermouths to a cocktail shaker. Add ice, and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with the cherries.