940's Brings Fresh Spin to Cocktails
940's blew us away with their winter drinks, combining unique and unexpected ingredients together to create a truly exciting drinking experience. They are back at it with their spring cocktail list, and have put together a mystical compilation of cocktails that will be a must-try for your next happy hour outing.
The Wheel of Fortune combines orange-infused Gin, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, orgeat almond syrup, vanilla syrup, egg white, and lemon, and is garnished with a candied orange peel. Each sip is a breath of fresh air, awakening the taste buds with its brightness, stirring up a feeling of nostalgia that reminds you of running barefoot in the summer as a little kid with an orange creamsicle. The Wheel of Fortune represents the life cycle, positive karmic energy, a turning point approaching in life, and the youthful spirit of this drink brings everything full-circle.
The Chariot brings together George Dickel white whiskey, creme de peche, creme de cacao, and lemon, and is garnished with a peach section drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette. Slightly sweet, light in body, a gentle tang of citrus, and a combination of spring flavors that perfectly mask any bite from the white whiskey. This cocktail is smooth and flavorful, thoughtfully crafted, and expertly executed. The Chariot tarot card represents willpower, determination, and when pulled in a reading, typically depicts that travel will be happening soon, and this cocktail takes you straight to the beach.
The Fool combines Centenario Anejo tequila, Copper Kings apple brandy, St. George spiced pear liqueur, made-in-house tamarind syrup, and is garnished with a lemon peel and edible gold dust. From the heat of the tequila and richness of the brandy, all the flavors take their turn subtly hitting the palate. First the brandy, then the tequila, followed by the tamarind, with the sweetness of the pear lingering. In my deck, The Fool card is replaced by The Starseed, but still carries the same meaning of new beginnings and in turn, something else ending. This drink is the perfect transition of winter flavors brought into a refreshing spring cocktail.
The Empress is a luxurious drinking experience made with Western Son prickly pear vodka, Chareau Aloe liqueur, agave, soda, lime, and is garnished with dried rose buds. The tartness of the prickly pear, the wintergreen notes of the aloe, and the sweetness of the agave come together to create an elegant cocktail that melds unexpected flavors into each other with ease. The Empress tarot card represents femininity, beauty, nature, and abundance, and this cocktail brings each of those ideals together perfectly.
The Sun brings the bold flavors of guajillo pepper-infused Banhez mezcal, Solerno blood orange liqueur, habañero bitters, mango nectar, agave, lime, and is garnished with a dried mango with chili. This cocktail is for the daring and adventurous. The huskiness of the Mezcal will put some hair on your chest, and the heat from the habañero will pick you up better than a shot of espresso. It lingers on the palate leaving a tingling sensation on the tongue with the spike of spice and the sweetness of the mango nectar and agave tone down the intensity of the flavors. The Sun card represents warmth, positivity, and vitality, and this drink will certainly bring new life to your drinking experience.
The Seven of Cups is made of lemon-infused New Amsterdam gin, J. Roget champagne, blackberry syrup, and lemon, and is garnished with blackberry and lemon peel. This pairing is a match made in heaven: the lemon pairs perfectly with the floral notes of the gin, and the tartness of the blackberries folds itself into the sweetness of the champagne. The Seven of Cups represents fantasy, illusion, and imagination, and this whimsical cocktail is a dream in itself.
Ace of Swords brings together Western Son Yuzu vodka, Copper Kings apple brandy, St. George spiced pear liqueur, egg whites, and lemon, and is garnished with a sugar rim and lemon peel. The flavors of apple and pear take turns, with the Yuzu Vodka toning everything down with its earthy tones. The froth of the egg adds an unexpected texture to the light body of the drink, and the brightness of the citrus wakes up the senses. The Ace of Swords represents clarity, power, and victory, and all of the ingredients champion the arrival of the spring season.
The tarot inspiration comes from the Spring Awakening and the changing of the seasons, and as luck would have it, I double as a card reader. I was so excited when I saw the drink names and amazed at how each one truly resonated with the meaning of each card. These drinks don't have to be paired; they are an experience and shine bright on their own.
940's Kitchen and Cocktails is located at 219 W Oak St, and you can keep up with them on their Facebook page.