Liquid Relief
‘Tis the season of the liquid kind and these new spots give us many reasons to celebrate. After all, there’s nothing better than slipping away in libation bliss at the end of a hot, grueling day. And these bode well whether it’s raising a glass to Mother Nature, enjoying boutique spirits with magic ice cubes, visiting Scotland in a sip, or getting in that beer fix.
Charleston: The Cocktail Club
Who chose South Carolina for this year’s family reunion, you ask? Well, if Charleston is the site then find that stiff drink you need at The Cocktail Club (pictured). This prohibition-style speakeasy with no listed phone number that opened in late June does have some modern nuances, mainly its “From Farm to Shaken” cocktail selections using fresh fruits and vegetables. One of them, the Caprese, made with house-infused peppercorn, Sobieski Vodka and house-made tomato water - is unlike any cocktail salad we’ve ever spied, making this one club we definitely don’t mind joining. 479 King Street, @CocktailClubCHS
Chicago: The Elixir Lounge
Cocktails are such an art at the Windy City’s newest liquid recharging station that there’s even a special ice machine that produces slow-melting ice cubes that won’t water your drink down. Brilliant concoctions include Italian Iced Tea, made with prosecco, Ramazzotti, Lillet Blanc, simple syrup and fresh lemon juice, as well as the Bourbon Shrub, made with Weller 7-year bourbon, homemade shrub, lemon juice, black tea and rosemary. The 45-seat lounge located in Chicago’s Boystown area specializes in small-batch and boutique spirits so don’t expect the likes of Bacardi et al to to be poured here. 3452 N. Halsted, 773.975.9244
Los Angeles: Ten Pound
Even in a town brimming with hot spots for the rich and famous, Ten Pound is exclusive. Tucked away at the Montage Beverly Hills, the scotch bar dedicated to Macallan has just nine tables that seat a whopping 36 people. A glass of 12-year-old Macallan is just $16 while a bottle of the 64-year-old is $64,000. Happy mediums include the 18-year-old sherry oak at $35 and the 21-year-old fine oak at $70. Other cocktail selections include Pappy Van Winkle bourbon and Mexico’s legendary tequila, Herradura but scotch really is the main event. 225 North Canon Drive, 310.860.7800
New York: Harlem Tavern
A new neighborhood bar and grille may not elicit hallelujahs in areas where grabbing a bite to eat and something cold to drink nearby is the norm but, in Harlem, it is indeed a cause for celebration. That’s why the opening of the Harlem Tavern has been so closely watched. A monstrous space at 7000 square feet, beer is the number one libation. There are at least 80 different ones to choose from, including 20 on draft and 60 in bottles. Sugar Hill from the Harlem Brewing Company is a local must but international selections like Innis & Gunn from Scotland also help to “cheer” this venture on. 2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (8th Ave), 212.866.4500
