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BY PAULETTE PHLIPOT
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It’s Saturday night; you’ve hiked, biked, boated, or maybe just worked all day. With tired legs and a face that’s a bit sun-kissed, all you can think about is going out with friends, relaxing and refueling with a cold cocktail in hand. One thing for sure, around here you don’t have to look far for a place with friendly bartenders, one that’s filled with locals and has plenty of character. If you’re like me, you might walk in, sit down and without putting much thought to it, instantly order a favorite classic such as a Greyhound or maybe even a Whisky Sour. There is no need for a menu, and seldom is a drink menu even offered.
Well, that scenario was before the emergence of “culinary cocktails”—drinks designed by bartenders and chefs that bring the tricks and flavors of the kitchen straight to the glass.
These drinks are commonly made from fresh-squeezed citrus, fruit compotes and syrups and bottled concentrates, earthy herbs, and/or vegetables. Some are even made to resemble popular desserts.
The next time you go out for cocktails, look for a drink menu. I dare you to pick it up—or ask for one, if necessary! Come on, take just a peek. Have fun! It’s worth shaking up your routine and venturing off the tried-and-true path of the old classics.
Here are a few favorites that will certainly whet your appetite, from some of the best watering holes in Jackson. (They each agreed to provide a recipe to try at home with the idea we’ll all pop in and check out the rest of their amazing offerings!)
Snake River Grill
The Snake River Grill, known as one of the finest places for mountain dining in the Tetons, is conveniently located on the Jackson Town Square. While sipping on a perfectly chilled cocktail, don’t be surprised if you get hungry watching all the gorgeous plates come out of the kitchen. Not to worry… you can order the full menu from the bar. Or request the Snake River Grill Burger; although not on the menu, it’s well-loved by locals.
Mountain Sage
Makes one cocktail.
• 3 oz Tanqueray Ten Gin
• 1 oz Alize Gold French Cognac
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 ea fresh sage leaves – hand torn into small pieces
Place all into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake hard for 30 seconds. Strain into a frozen rocks glass; serve up, garnished with a fresh sage leaf.
Deadman’s Bar at Signal Mountain Lodge
Locals and visitors to Grand Teton National Park come from all directions to visit Deadman’s Bar at Signal Mountain Lodge. Most roll in with their hair a bit windblown after spending the day on Jackson Lake. The bar’s friendly, laid-back staff and its amazing view of the Grand and Mount Moran, combined with legendary margaritas and grande nachos, make the journey to the Lodge worth every mile.
The Blackberry Margarita
Makes one cocktail.
• 3 oz Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila
• 4 oz Mr. and Mrs.’s T’s Sweet & Sour mix
• 1 oz DeKuyper Triple Sec
• 1 oz Rose’s Lime Juice
Fill a blender with two cups of ice and pour in the above ingredients. Add 1/2 cup of Blackberry compote. Blend until smooth.
Blackberry compote
• 1 lb frozen marion blackberries
• 1/4 lb sugar
• 2 oz cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
Combine sugar, cornstarch, and water in a 4 qt. sauce pot, heat on medium until smooth, then add blackberries. Stir blackberries over medium heat until fully melted. Take off heat and cool mixture in the fridge. When cool take out and blend in blender until smooth.
