Because (like most of us) I have been grounded by the COVID-19 quarantine, I have been dreaming of travel. One of the places that I miss — and where I love to escape to — is Detroit. It’s close enough for us to drive for an overnight (or two!), but far enough away that we really feel like we have left home. Along the way, we discovered Cafe D’ Mongo’s and The Detroit Brown. This cocktail is one of three house drinks at Cafe D’ Mongo’s in midtown Detroit and exemplifies the way I create drinks — I go somewhere meaningful (or just super fun, famous, and in one of my favorite cities), sip or eat something fantastic, and then run home to recreate it. I love the way this modern speakeasy casually combines Michigan Pop with strong pours in glass mugs, to the delight of their wide range of customers. Coppercraft Straight Bourbon Whiskey elevates these humble ingredients in the perfect way. Cheers!
Detroit Brown Serves 2 (in a 10 oz. rocks glass, filled halfway with ice)
3⁄4 c whiskey (Lark Loves Coppercraft)
1 can (12 oz.) ginger ale (Lark Loves Vernors)
10 drops aromatic bitters
Combine all ingredients in a small pitcher. Serve over ice and sip a little bit of Michigan.
Another place that has my heart is Manhattan. Over the years and multiple trips to NYC, I have picked up so many new and various inspirations for Lark Cocktails. On one getaway, in between trips to the Central Park Zoo and the Museum of Natural History, Ramen noodle shops and famous bagel joints, I saw lots of signs for Wine Spritzers and dry wine cocktails. I was too busy feeling guilty for not packing granola bars for my toddlers and tying tiny shoelaces to drink many, so once we arrived home, I created a drink with the same idea (and hope for cool refreshment!) in mind.
At Living Lark I appreciate that everyone isn’t a bartender, slinging drinks and living with a fully-stocked bar. Because of that, I try to create some no-preparation drinks that anyone can simply pour and serve — so here is another one of those! Also, note the large size here! I love to have a house full of guests and serve one signature drink. Since it looks like we will be physically distancing for awhile, I suggest making a big batch and then delivering small bottles (or jars) to your friends. Spread the joy!
The Rosé All Day Gimlet Serves 20 (in a 10 oz. rocks glass filled with ice)
4 c gin or vodka (Lark Loves Coppercraft Vodka)
4 c sweetened lime juice (Lark Loves Rose’s Sweetened)
8 c rosé wine
3 long stems of mint (no need to pluck the leaves from the stem; just clean the stems and place them in a serving container)
3 limes, cut into wedges
Combine gin, lime syrup, and wine in a one-gallon jug. When ready to drink, pour into a serving pitcher and garnish with mint and a few lime wedges. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for individual glasses.
Kate Bolt is the owner of Living Lark, where she shares her philosophy that moderation with food can be fun and that indulging once in a while is good for the soul. Her first cookbook came out in the fall of 2019 and can be purchased here. Recipes and blog posts can be found at livinglark.com
#livinglark
Thank you, Kate, for sharing your creative talents and philosophy with Coppercraft Distillery! And stepping up our cocktail game.