Shake up your drink game with these 4 fine mountain cocktails
Chilly temperatures are no match for some of West Virginia’s finely crafted cocktails and local spirits.
Sit back, relax and order up one of these cocktail favorites (21 and older please):
1. Classic gin and tonic at Tin 202
“Our gin and tonic receives a ton of praise from our guests even though it’s the simplest of the cocktails we make,” Tin 202 owner Chris Evans said. This West Virginia take on a classic drink is a local favorite.
How it’s made: Using a 10-12 oz. highball glass, start with 1.5 oz of West Virginia-made Smooth Ambler Barrel Aged Gin. Add ¾ oz. of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Small Batch Tonic, fill the glass halfway with seltzer, fill the glass with ice, add lemon oil from a generous peel and twist.
2. Scofflaw from Smooth Ambler Spirits
Smooth Ambler Spirits, patiently crafts gin, vodka, whiskey, bourbon and more. This drink uses Smooth Ambler Spirits’ Old Scout Straight Rye Whiskey in a refreshing, vintage cocktail that gets its name from its Prohibition-era roots.
How it’s made: Combine 1.5 oz. Old Scout Straight Rye Whiskey, 1 oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth, ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice, and ¾ oz. Jack Rudy Grenadine with ice in a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Mr. Jone’s Gingersnap from The Dancing Fig
Janet Ferraro, owner of The Dancing Fig, named this tasty drink after her Grandpa Jones. Catch the drink on the restaurant’s seasonal menu or ask for it by name.
How it’s made: In a goblet, combine two slices of ginger, 1.5 oz. brandy, .5 oz. lemon juice, and 1 oz. clove syrup. Add ice. Double shake, strain into coupe glass, and garnish with sugar, cinnamon and candied ginger.
4. The Baaa’d Shepherd from Black Sheep Burrito & Brews
The Huntington (and now Charleston) restaurant is known for its burritos, brews and some pretty baaa’d margaritas. This special comes in a large size only– and you’ll be glad it does.
How it’s made: Combine Patrón Silver tequila, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, freshly squeezed limejuice and housemade sweet & sour. Top with a smoked salt rim. 16 oz.
How many craft cocktails have you crossed off your bucket list?
This post was last updated on June 30, 2021