Possible Cocktails for Fall

Posted by lushlife

Posted: October 16, 2008 - 11:04 am

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Get ready Anchorage, because there may be some new cocktails in town – specifically on the menu at the Whale's Tail in the Hotel Captain Cook (939 W. Fifth Ave.). Spirits Guru Keith Saunders hosted a tasting last night to demonstrate some concoctions that the cozy venue is considering.

There were several to taste, but my favorites are listed below, and I sincerely hope the Whale's Tail incorporates them this season. If they do, I'll see you there!

First, Saunders created a martini called Cold Comfort (equal parts honey vodka and citrus vodka) which, surprisingly, was the perfect cold weather drink. It's surprising because it's not a hot toddy because it's chilled, but it seems like a hot toddy: It has just the right amount of strength with a soothing, honey-scented smoothness. It reminded me of something I'd want on a blustery winter day while skiing -- except that after one or two of them, I wouldn't recommend that anyone attempt to get back on the hill.

My second favorite was a Toasted Macadamia Nut Martini, very similar to a Toasted Almond, if you've ever had one, except with macadamia nut liqueur instead of amaretto. Whoever invented macadamia nut liqueur is now my hero. The cocktail (which includes the liqueur, Kahlua, Prairie organic vodka and half and half) tastes like macadamia nut white chocolate chip cookies, which reminds me of the holidays, which made me realize that having more than one of these caloric, creamy concoctions (complete, if placed on the menu, with a chocolate cookie swizzle stick) is really OK. It's almost Christmas, after all.

My third fave didn't have a name yet, but it included Skyy cherry vodka, Cointreau, orange juice and a squeeze of lime. The cherry vodka was fabulous. I don't know how to explain it, but it almost gave an almond-like essence to the drink, and it goes great with orange juice, which surprised me. I couldn't come up with a name at the time, but I am racking my brains. I suggested The Lush but realized that sounded horribly self-serving. Still, it would be cool. And a big seller, right, dear readers? Right?

Anyway, keep your eye out for a new cocktail menu. I'll post an update when the Whale's Tail alerts me to new developments. But in the meantime, tell me about any new and interesting drinks you're discovering around Anchorage this fall. We're all eager to hear about it. Cheers!

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