Over at ~HOG & ROCKS~, the cocktail program has advanced nicely under the direction of Scott Beattie (he was brought on board back in October) and Michael Lazar, who joined the team as bar manager in December after things didn’t work out at Plum Bar in Oakland.
The spirits list features local distillers keeping company with American whiskies, while the cocktails feature Beattie’s trademark fresh and foraged seasonal ingredients. Top of my list is Michael’s Calabria (Old Grandad 114, bergamot, Averna, honey, ginger beer), while Scott’s John Chapman (St. George whiskey, Weller bourbon, pear eau de vie, apple, ginger, lemon, thai coconut-apple foam) is a fantastic drink of his I tried at Spoonbar. There’s also a Jerry Thomas Manhattan (Rittenhouse rye, Carpano Antica, Jerry Thomas and Angostura bitters) which comes damn close to how I make my Manhattan. Check out the list here and get thirsty.
