Lani Kai - Bar Opening in NYC's West Side

Last Monday marked the industry party to celebrate the opening of the new bar, Lani Kai, located on Broome Street in NYC.

Because last week marked the US Drinks Conference, there were plenty of fun people hanging around, including Stephanie and the guys (and girl!) of MicroLiquor.com. I convinced the bunch to go come and off we went.

We weren't sure what to expect - I had only heard about the opening the night before at the Tanqueray 10 party from fellow industry Tonia Guffey, she will be bartending there one night a week from here forward.

Upon entering we quickly learned the bar was aiming at a, perhaps, tiki theme - but not so over the top you wanted to throw off your lei and run out the door screaming - in fact, there weren't even leis. Instead, there were exotic drinks - your choice of a gin based cocktail or scotch based cocktail. To my surprise - I got a scotch cocktail. The cocktail's presentation portrayed a work of art (see picture) I almost felt bad drinking it! (but not so bad I wasn't going to!)

The passion fruit juices blended with the scotch created an illustrious smokey fruit flavor. We cozied in to a booth and took in the scene. Definitely going for the tiki theme, but that will be refreshing once the cold really settles into the city and an actual tropical vacation is too far away.

Upon checking out the downstairs, we were offered a gin punch, served in a giant bowl with four straws... yes please! Delicious fruit juice/gin blend and, again, beautiful presentation... most exciting cocktails I'd had all day!

Unfortunately, we weren't able to check out the full-time menu just yet, but if it's anything like the preview party, I'd say it's worth a stop by. I know I'll be back!

**UPDATE** Found the menu and its looks spectacular!

Scotchtails for Spring

New England is infamous for its quirky, quick-changing weather and that’s certainly been the case in Connecticut this month. Not two weeks ago our basements were flooded and the National Guard was actually called into our small town to help control the flood. Days later we had record high temps and sunshine. Currently, we’re somewhere in between but I’m hoping (if only for the sake of our newly-planted grass) that the weather starts leaning in Summer’s direction.

April’s Scotchtail is perfect for this time of year (no matter what the weather’s doing) and the flavor combo of grapefruit and honey is divine! Easy-to-make, too! What more could you ask for?

April Cocktail

1 ½ Chivas Regal 12 yo
1 ½ oz. Ruby Grapefruit Juice
2 barspoons honey
Dash Grapefruit bitters

Stir the honey in the empty old fashioned glass. Add the whisky and continue until dissolved. Following the addition of the Grapefruit Juice, top with crushed ice.

If grapefruit isn’t your style, try this light and refreshing drink that would be fantastic through summer!

Cascade

1 ½ oz Chivas Regal 12 yo
¾ oz. Monin Mandarin Syrup
¾ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
Dash Peach Juice
Tonic water.

Shake all ingredients (except tonic) together in a Boston shaker. Pour over ice and top with tonic water. Garnish with sliced apple.

Cheers!

-SH

February Scotchtails

Wow—does February go by quickly or what!? One day you’re planning a Valentine’s Day celebration and the next thing you know the month is over. Well, as we enter its last full week, let’s drink to the shortest month of the year (and only 4 more weeks of winter) with a few Scotchtails, shall we?

February Cocktail: This cocktail’s bitterness reminds me of myself this time of year…

1 ¾ oz. Chivas Regal 12 yo

1/8 oz. Benedictine

1/8 oz. Lillet Rouge

Dash Angostura Bitters

Dash Orange Bitters

Shake these ingredients over ice and fine strain them into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a blood orange peel.

Chivas Pure: Sometimes simple is just better…

1 ½ oz. Chivas Regal 12 yo

Fresh Fruit (take your pick—berries, apples, or grapes)

Stir whisky over ice in a rocks glass and add seasonal fruit. It’s that easy.

Chivas Cobbler: For those of us pining for pineapple…

1 ½ oz. Chivas Regal 12 yo

1 tbsp. chopped pineapple

1 oz. Orange Juice

¼ oz. Lemon Juice

1 tbsp. Vanilla Sugar

Muddle pineapple and vanilla sugar in a highball glass. Add the remaining ingredients an dstir with ice. Garnish with a pineapple leaf and pretend you’re in the tropics!