Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/132513
A la Carte By Kevin Broadie, WAC Bartender Mix it up! Summer sizzles with a better cocktail A —Find WAC Bartender Kevin Broadie tending to business in Hagerty's. l u k e r u tA n ( 2 ) s summer begins, our souls rejoice with the first glimpse of the sun, leaving the bitterness of the cold behind to absorb the brightness of blue skies. With that, my thoughts turn to the wonderful summer spirits that capture sunshine in a glass. Forget overly sweet syrups and canned juice drinks. Think instead fresh, fruity and refreshing creations made from quality ingredients. Cocktails such as the Mojito, Caipirinha, mai tai, and margarita go handin-hand with the warm summer breeze. Sadly, these creations also frequently fall victim to lazy shortcuts and indifferent bartenders. Here are a few suggestions to maximize your libations. The key with all culinary endeavors is freshness and balance with a touch of love. Start with the freshest fruit you can find. This creates an explosion of flavor and is especially important for citrus-based cocktails that can quickly become acidic. On the other hand, if you prefer tart flavors—and plenty of people do—muddle your citrus to pull bitterness from the rind. To keep cocktails fresh and not watered down, mix them by the glass, not the pitcher. Pour drinks over ice, but never over pour. Don't worry. You can always have seconds! Remember to keep it simple. Less is often more. Try an infusion of coconut water, fresh lime juice (squeezed or muddled, depending on your preference), and gold rum over ice for a fantastic and easy drink. Whether you choose to indulge on a sun-dappled deck or a sandy beach, remember to spend some time relaxing at your downtown oasis, as well. Stop by Hagerty's to cool off with a variety of our refreshing pours. We've created our own Northwest version of some iconic summer cocktails, including our San Juan Islander, made with fresh lime, grapefruit, vodka, and Saint Germain liqueur. We look forward to seeing you soon. Kevin prepares and pours some of his seasonal creations. Hagerty's and Torchy's Bar now offer happy hour daily from 3–7 pm. Come in to enjoy more than a dozen new menu items and new beer and wine specials. 12 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | JUNE / JULY 2013