HAPPENINGS: El Dorado Spring Menu Release Party

How lucky can a girl get when her favorite hangout hosts a party on the same day as her birthday? That was my great fortune this week so I put on my party dress and headed out to El Dorado Lounge to check out the Spring cocktail line-up. El Dorado has been considered the front runner in the craft cocktail scene in San Diego, but major competition has forced them to be more creative and keep on top of their game. Every 3 months, a new menu is released that reflects the season and the establishment went all out this time around.

Rye 'n Gosling

As far as I am concerned, there were 2 amazing standouts on the menu and the Rye 'n Gosling certainly wins as the most creative drink name. Just like the namesake, not only amazing eye candy but tastes even better. This cocktail is citrusy and refreshing and appeals to all tastes despite its strong kick. In the family of cocktails this would be considered a Highball variation (Citrus, ginger, spirit & bubbles). Definitely the most approachable cocktail on the menu.

RECIPE

1 1/2 oz. Old Overholt

1/2 oz. Goslings Rum

3/4 oz. Ginger Syrup

3/4 oz. Lime Juice

A dash of Tiki Bitters

Top with soda

Holy Roses

I must have been in love with this choice since I managed to enjoy quite a few. The name was nostalgic for me and brought back remembrances of my Catholic School days. When I saw the drink name Holy Roses, it made me think of Holy Water. This selection is elegant, direct (boozy), and balanced but watch yourself. It's just sweet & savory enough to mislead you into thinking you might be a professional drinker.

RECIPE

2 oz. Beefeater Gin

3/4 oz. Cocchi Americano (Dry Vermouth)

1/8 oz. cut Maraschino (cut with simple syrup)

Pressed Cucumber

Dash of rose water

Crack of sea salt

Stirred then strained

The cocktails were delicious and I recommend a trip to El Dorado to check them out. If you feel one of these doesn't quite speak to you, the El Dorado crew will most certainly help you find your new favorite. (Maybe the Lady Jane Grey or Robert the Bruce).

A big Thank You to Ryan Kuntz, El Dorado's owner/operator, for making my Birthday a memorable evening (and sharing his recipes with us). Thanks also to the establishment photographers, Will Ullman & Ricoy Photo, for sharing their amazing images.

Goodnight night owls....until next time.