You know you’re doing something right as a mixologist when peers like Erick Castro (of San Francisco’s acclaimed Bourbon & Branch) stop in for a drink and give you props. Such is the case with Rivera Restaurant’s Julian Cox, who has received praise from all the local media (e.g. the LA Weekly) and was just name checked in the August issue of Wine & Spirits Magazine (“The New Tequiliers”).
Julian has been putting the final touches on his new summer cocktail menu, and last Saturday he surprised us with a sneak preview of two of his latest creations. I sampled The Bramble (gin, lemon, simple syrup, muddled blackberries), while my friend was presented with The 1050 Special (VeeV Açaí, lemon, muddled raspberries). Both cocktails were refreshing, flavorful, and ready-made for the dog days of summer. As we enjoyed our drinks, Julian described The Love Stone, another summer cocktail made with rye, fresh cherries, and a plumberry tincture. In all, he expects to add 15 new cocktails, with around 5 holdovers from the previous menu. Julian revealed that John Sedlar is also working on new Rivera menu items, as well as the debut of a raw bar, charcuterie, and cheese plates.
Rivera’s summer cocktail menu officially debuts this Friday, July 3rd. Guests will be able to order the new drinks when Rivera opens for dinner, but starting at 9pm Julian will be hosting a launch party, featuring $5 cocktails and a special bar menu. Summer cocktailing and Latin fusion cuisine, can’t think of a better way to kick off Independence Weekend!
Summer Cocktails Launch Party
Friday, July 3, 2009
9pm-close
Rivera Restaurant
1050 S. Flower St. #102
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213-749-1460
www.riverarestaurant.com