I stopped by M&S Grill's wonderful happy hour last week (more on that Friday) and got to talking to the bartender. It's one of my favorite bars in the city not only because of the food specials and the atmosphere but because the mixed drinks are so damn good. As I've noted before, M&S is a true scratch bar -- everything from the juice to the simple syrup is made to order.
Served in tall Tom Collins style glasses, these long drinks "are for sipping outside on a beautiful or hot
day," Beskow said. Two that stood out
are Kansas City Ice Water, made of vodka, gin, soda, tonic and lime
juice, and the Wimbledon, a combination of Pimm's Cup, lemon and ginger
ale with a cucumber-and-lemon-wheel garnish.
The only one I've yet to actually try is Porch Swing Punch, a variation on Lynchburg Lemonade with the addition of apple butter and a small amount of cranberry juice. The apple butter is blended in and adds a slight creaminess that quickly gives way to the refreshing punch of the lemon. All the while, it stays
sweet without being overly sweet. It's the kind of drink I imagine Tennessee Williams or William Faulkner characters would have on a sultry summer night when company arrived.
There's also a regular cocktail menu with more traditional
offerings like the Elderflower, a combination of champagne and
elderflower liquor. But really it's the eight creations on the long-drink menu that I'm trying to perfect at my home bar. Bring on those hot summer nights!
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