Lounge

Cocktails at Eventide are crafted by bar manager Steve Warner. Known for his speed, gregarious personality, and desire to make balanced, exciting new drinks, Steve makes many ingredients himself. Housemade items include real pomegranate grenadine, herb syrups, nut tinctures, and bitters.

An expert with classic cocktails, Steve has tracked down many hard to find spirits to fill out the bar from Anchor Distilling's line of classic spirits to his extensive selection of small batch ryes and bourbons.

Notes From the Lounge

What follows are the monthly musings from our Bar Manager, Steve--what he's pouring, what he's drinking and what he's thinking.

NOVEMBER 2009

Hello all, and thanks for checking out Eventide’s site. I appreciate everyone that’s given input on our cocktail program, and welcome suggestions, criticism, and compliments on the beverages and our staff. You may email me directly here, or chat with me at the bar!

I’ve been really excited about the weather change, because that means the cocktails turn toward deeper, richer flavors. Don’t get me wrong; I love the crisp, refreshing cocktails of summer. I just don’t think that an Aviation or Hemingway Daiquiri will take the chill off on a cold day. That is a job for whiskey. I can’t imagine a more comforting item to have in front of the fire than a Manhattan.

Some people may have had a bad experience with whiskey, or feel it is too strongly flavored. Much like beer or wine, there are certain whiskeys (and cocktails, for that matter) that are better for novices to try before being turned off by something that will ‘put hair on your chest.’ I love to let people try a Manhattan with Canadian Club 12 year old, because that whiskey is full of vanilla and light on the spice and burn that are often associated with Rye. The great thing about the Manhattan is that it only has three ingredients (whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters), but depending on what you choose for each, you can have wildly different flavors. This is why I don’t believe that one Manhattan exists that is the ‘best.’ The best one has been tailored to your taste, and might vary from one guest to another. Is bourbon too sweet for you? Then Rittenhouse Bottle-in-Bond 100° rye is right up your alley. Love holiday spices? Then we change out the Angostura bitters for the Bitter Truth Aromatic bitters instead. More herbal? A little extra Vya vermouth, then. A beverage as individual as the person drinking it, I’d love for more people to give the Manhattan a chance. Let us win you over with a cocktail tailored to fit you!

Manhattan

2 oz. Whiskey of your choice

½ oz. Sweet Vermouth

2-3 dashes Bitters (Angostura can be purchased at most grocery stores)

Stir all ingredients with ice until well chilled. Strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a fresh cherry and/or lemon twist.

Archives (link)

Due to the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, we are unable to display our Happy Hour Specials on this website. If you are interested in our specials, please send an e-mail to hheventide@gmail.com and we will send you an automatic response with our specials. Thank you.