UNIQUE MIXES

Mixologists are creating rare liquids with seasonal ingredients and bespoke presentations that are giving modern twists to regional cocktail menus. These days cocktail menus are ever-evolving, and while there will undoubtedly always be room for the classics, the modern imbiber is curious, adventurous and always seeking the next best thing, with an emphasis on uniquety. These demands keep bartenders and mixologists on their toes, concocting some of the moment’s favorite cocktails from mixologists around the country. Here are some of their top picks.

BAR TULIA, NAPLES, FL (left) “Basil Advice had humble beginnings four years ago. One of our resident bartenders, Stef, had some ladies come in and simply say ‘make me a drink.’ At the time, vodka wasn’t a spirit of focus within Bar Tulia but with its approachability to many, Basil Advice was born,” says general manager Kay Ousley.

THE FRENCH, NAPLES, FL (right) “The Euro holds a spot incredibly close to our head bartender’s heart. Daniel is a career bartender of 26 years who originally comes from Germany,” says Kay Ousley, general manager at The French. “When creating new drinks, he pays close attention to balanced taste while using ingredients he really loves (tequila is his favorite spirit). The name of the cocktail pays homage to European tastes and is one of our favorites on the cocktail menu!”