Seven Game-Changing National Cocktail Trends
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Saturday, July 11, 2015
Linda Losey, GoLocalPDX Guest Contributor
1.
More Playfulness, Less Pretention – cheeky and whimsical brands and beverages kicking severe mixology to the curb. Preciousness and pomposity has taken a back seat to professionalism, opting for homespun hospitality over haughtiness. Cocktailing is becoming
simpler with a lowbrow laid-back sensibility on the rise.
2. Small Batch is Still Big - the American Distilling Institute reports the meteoric rise in craft and micro distilleries, where true ingenuity is underway—the results of which are getting to market quicker than ever; Validating the power of craft, even the “big boys” are now getting into the small-batch business.
3. Simplicity Reigns Supreme – gone are the days where overzealous mixologists have something to prove, taking 15 minutes or more to perfect a drink. Now, simplified elixirs are at the forefront that require few ingredients and/or steps of preparation to create a killer craft cocktail—even at home.
4. Increasing Culinary Influence – fresh fruit, roots, nut and herb-laden libations are all the rage, even taking cues from the kitchen with imaginative culinary cocktail filled with farmed foodstuffs. Mixers with all-natural ingredients like Italian lemons, Hawaiian ginger, black walnuts and pumpkins are being utilized to craft distinctive, memorable and crave-worthy flavors.
5. Locavore Garden-to-Glass Libations – local and farm fresh approaches to ingredient sourcing are taking root on cocktail menus. Garden grown is in, preservatives, concentrates or artificial ingredients are out. Indeed, craft cocktail distillers are turning hand-selected agricultural ingredients grown on their own or other neighboring American farms into 100% natural artisan liquors that are elevating cocktails, beers and other beverages like coffee and tea.
6. Moonshine Goes Gourmet – Once just a novelty item, distillers are now getting creative proffering high-end premium spirits like SweetShine that are taking crafted cocktails to an incredible new level using time-honored recipes with a modern spin and hand-crafted technique.
7. Beer Cocktails – no longer reserved for the world of spirits, beer is being elevated with toppers and mixers taking barley and hops to a whole new level.
Linda Losey is the founder of Bloomery Plantation Distillery, which is pioneering an array of craft cocktail trends. With a sweet spin on moonshine, the company makes this traditional homespun spirit drinkable through its award-winning, 100% natural premium artisan liqueurs that are hand-crafted from farm-fresh fruits, roots and nuts. Learn more online at BloomerySweetshine.com.
Related Slideshow: Portland’s Best Places to Drink Outside
Here are 11 of Portland's best spots to drink and relax outside.
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This is the crown jewel of outdoor imbibing in Portland. The high rise location with panoramic views is a great place to sip in the sun! The cocktail menu features great flavors that will transplant you to a tropical destination. Pair it with some delicious bites from a menu crafted by Chef Gregory Gourdet for a fabulous evening.
525 SW Morrison St.
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It’s been said that time flies when you’re drinking rum. And that’s especially so on this out of the way covered patio on Sandy Blvd. While there’s a strong focus on rum here, you can enjoy plenty of other spirits, beer, and wine. The diverse cocktail list and well curated selection of bites keep this on my favorites list.
720 SE Sandy Blvd.
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The Landmark Saloon is a renovated house on Division Street. It’s quite small, even by house standards. However, what they lack in square footage for indoor seating is more than redeemed with all of the picnic tables, fire pits, second bars, cornhole boards, and trees in their adjacent yard where you can laze away a beautiful summer day.
4847 SE Division St.
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The large open air space behind this North Williams bar is a classic Portland place to spend a hot summer day. And the space is huge. Hanging with a large group? No problem. The landscaping, with an oddly satisfying, crunchy pea gravel, is inviting, the staff is great, and the beer here is very cold. Bonus: If it gets too hot out, slip inside for a round of shuffleboard.
4306 N. Williams St.
Photo credit: vendettapdx.com
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While there’s no view and no lake, there is plenty to love about this hidden spot near Montgomery Park. Enjoy weekend brunch and food and drinks until late on the dog-friendly open patio. This is a great place to day drink on a Saturday afternoon while catching up with an old friend.
1900 NW 27th Ave.
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While the interior has a way of transporting guests back to the days of pub culture, those who make the effort to head out to the garden will be rewarded. It’s secluded and lush and by the first sip of your pint, you’ll forget all about the hustle and bustle of rush hour happening just a few feet away.
6031 SE Stark St.
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You’d be forgiven for not discovering the back patio of Teote right off of lower Hawthorne. Orders are taken at the counter on the first floor, but follow the stairs up and then meander your way to the back of the house where the second floor spills out into lovely back patio complete with a second bar and a fire pit. I’m still trying to figure out how to you get to the back yard by going upstairs. Plus, the food and drinks are delicious and affordable.
1615 SE 12th Ave.
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With so much buzz about the new Latino market on Foster Avenue opening later this month, it’s only fitting that they’re incorporating a bottle shop into the list of retailers. Pop into Barrio Bottle Shop and grab a beer for dining in at one of the food carts. The patio is covered and heated to help prolong Portland’s short summer season.
7238 SE Foster Ave.
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Chef David Machado’s new spot (located in the new Hotel Eastlund) promises a patio with sweeping views of downtown, complete with firepits and windbreaks. This beer-centric restaurant will offer a full menu, 16 taps, extensive wine list, and patio seating for 100+. The early May opening can’t happen soon enough for this curious tippler!
1021 NE Grand Ave.
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Hop in the car and head out to Washington County’s Henry Hagg Lake. A 35 mile drive will find you at a place that offers disc golf course, fishing piers, great wildlife viewing, and boat rentals. Enjoy the afternoon sipping your favorite schwag and throwing discs.
Day use fee: $6 per vehicle.
50250 SW Scoggins Valley Road, Gaston, OR
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A short 45-minute drive will lead you to McIver where you can hike, fish, and play disc golf - all with an adult beverage in hand. Situated on the Clackamas River located in Estacada, this one of Oregon’s largest state parks, right in our back yard! Pack a cooler and a picnic and make a day of it at McIver.
Day use fee: $5 per vehicle.
24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada, OR
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