On Wednesday, March 28th, Drago Centro celebrates the launch of its Spring Cocktail Menu with drink specials on all of the new libations for one night only. The signature drinks, which are normally $12, will be specially priced at $8. Earlier this week, head bartender Jaymee Mandeville hosted a tasting of the new menu, her second since taking the reins of the Drago Centro bar program.
Airstream Libation: Pueblo Viejo Blanco Tequila, R. Jelínek Fernet, Toasted Coconut Infused Demerara, Fresh Lime, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Egg White.
Cool Revival: Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, Cynar, Yuzu, Cucumber, with Lemon and Dill Meringue.
Greetings from Xanadu: Banks 5 Island Rum, Pama, Java Juice Liquid Coffee Extract, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice
Nebbia Rossa
The Nebbia Rossa (“Red Fog”) is my favorite of the spring menu, made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Campari, Bittermens Citron Sauvage, Dolin Blanc. This neo-Negroni has a flavor profile that’s right up my alley, a mix of smoky and bitter that opens up with the Bittermens grapefruit liqueur. I would enjoy this cocktail any time of year, not just this season. (Recipe below.)
Night and the City
Night and the City is Mandeville’s excellent take on the Bloody Mary, made with Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Bittermens Hellfire, Miracle Mile Candy Cap Mushroom Bitters, Heirloom Tomato Shrub, Black Pepper and Squid Ink Syrup, Fresh Horseradish. Mandeville’s housemade ingredients helps the Night and the City stand out from the legions of Bloody Mary variations. Its Film Noir name is a nod to its black and white appearance, which is livened up by a pickled watermelon radish that you’ll wish was offered as a side dish.
Shotgun Wedding: Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy, Prosecco, Lemon Juice, Granny Smith Apples, Maple Sugar.
Stepchild: Black Grouse Blended Scotch, Cardamaro, Kumquat Cordial, Orange Juice.
Trädgård (“Garden”): Karlsson’s Gold Vodka, Oro Blanco, Cocchi Americano, Fee Brothers Grapefruit Bitters, Lemon Juice, Chives
Ver La Luz Del Día (“To See the Light of Day”): Kappa Pisco, Lillet Blanc, Hangar Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Basil
Yellow Jacket Fever
The Yellow Jacket Fever is a collaboration with bartender Jen Len, made with Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, Chamomile Infused Honey, Black Peppercorns. Mandeville said Len had been working with rye as the base of the Yellow Jacket Fever; Mandeville suggested the Nolet’s.
Spring Cocktail Menu Launch
Wednesday March 28, 2012
5pm to close
Spring cocktails: $8
Drago Centro
The City National Bank Plaza
525 South Flower Street, Suite 120
Los Angeles, CA 90071
www.dragocentro.com
Nebbia Rossa
Created by Jaymee Mandeville
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
- .5 oz Campari
- .5 oz Bittermens Citron Sauvage
- .75 Dolin Blanc
Preparation:
- Stir ingredients with ice.
- Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
[…] Pho Bitters, lime juice, Fever-Tree Ginger Beer and truffle salt. As she did with her springtime Night and the City, Mandeville once again subtracts tomatoes from the Bloody Mary equation and takes the familiar […]