Image courtesy of Rob Owen-Wahl
In hotels and restaurants from Burbank to Boston, and the chicest summer bar scenes along the coast, I asked bartenders and hotel staff for the healthiest alcoholic drinks I might be able to talk myself into considering “good for my health,” or even elixirs or “health drinks” only for adults. Share if you also have your own healing drink recipes to swap this season. Kale? Celery bitters? Bring them on… I feel virtuous already.
At the Sable Kitchen & Bar in Chicago, head bartender Mike Ryan uses freshly juiced tomatillos in his cocktails, while bartender Allie Kim uses medicinal ingredients like seaweed and house-made eucalyptus syrup for her signature elixirs.
Blue Savannah El Jimador, Sesame-Nori Honey (seaweed), lemon juice and OJ, orange saffron bitters
At the Dirty Habit in San Francisco, in the Kimpton Hotel, bartender Brian Means creates kale cocktails and detoxing drinks featuring porcini mushrooms.
Dram at Mount Tam St. George Terroir Gin, Konbu-infused vermouth, Kale Cordial, celery bitters
Dirt Nap Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth, porcini mushroom, Lustau “don Nuno” Oloroso Sherry, King’s Ginger Liqueur
Finally, in Portland, OR, at the Red Star Tavern, bartender Brian Lockman muddles fresh herbs and juices his farmer’s market veggies for best-selling summer cocktails.
Blood in the Water bourbon, Carpano Antica, beet juice and balsamic vinegar
The Other Side of the Pillow gin, lemon, agave, muddled dill and cucumber
Here’s to drinking your vegetables this summer. Cheers!
Connect with Nicole @nicoledorsey1