First Look at Michael’s Fall Cocktail Menu
10 Oct
Number 3 ($16)
I feel like I’m starting to turn into a Jason Robley fanboy. I first encountered Jason in June when he was making the bar program at Michael’s in Santa Monica’s his own. When I went to check out the brand new happy hour in August, I discovered my new favorite punch.
I recently went back to share some happy hour cocktails with a friend, but sadly for my wallet, I found a hot-off-the-presses fall cocktail menu. Randomly stopping by on the day that a new menu was making its debut? I couldn’t argue with fate.
The first drink of the evening was the Number 3: Confit-Washed Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Cardamaro, Leopold Bros. Georgia Peach Whiskey, Orange, Pepper, Angostora Bitter. In California, the transition from summer to fall means a few things: it gets dark earlier, I get to wear jackets, and my bottles of gin start to collect dust as I start reaching for bottles of whiskey and scotch more frequently. The number 3 caught my eye because while I’m well-versed with buffalo trace cocktails, I’ve never had it paired with cardamaro, a wine-based digestif amaro. It did not disappoint.
Pumpkin the Great ($13)
Next up was Pumpkin the Great. Read the description and tell me if you could resist ordering it: Pumpkin Puree, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Jason’s Spiced Rum, Germain-Robin Apple Brandy, Cava. Served with a side of pumpkin seeds, the spices on the glass’s rim brought out the wonderful qualities of Jason’s spiced rum.
Smoke Love ($14)
Smoke Love consists of Laphroaig 16 year Single Malt Scotch, Smoked Mezcal, Red Bell Pepper Simple, Basil, Cilantro, and Grapefruit. Straight Laphroaig single malt scotch can be too peaty for some, but it works wonderfully in cocktails – adding a smoke quality. Here, Jason piles on the smokey flavors with smoked mezcal. I’ll be ordering this one again… and again… and again.
Apple Blush ($18)
The best cocktail of the evening? The (pricey) Apple Blush. Noah’s Mill Bourbon, Meyer Lemon, Aged Cinnamon Simple, Fuji Apple, Cranberry-Pomegranate Reduction. Jason started aging the cinnamon simple 6 months ago in anticipation of this drink landing on the fall cocktail list. I wasn’t the only person that evening who simply said “wow” after first sipping the flavorful concoction.
Of the menus I’ve tried at Michael’s, I think this is Jason’s best yet. I’m looking forward to trying the rest of the drinks on the fall menu:
Dark Side of the Moon $12
Aviation Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Blood Orange Juice, Lime, Orange Oil Simple, Crème de Violette
Borracha Remolacha $16
Revolucion Reposado Tequilla, Del Maguey Mezcal “Vida”, Lime, Agave Nectar, Beet Juice, Orange Bitters
Mary Rose $12
Cranberry-Ginger Infused Tito’s Vodka, Lime, Vanilla Simple, Charred Rosemary
Vera Cruz Cocktail $18
Chinaco Anejo Tequila, Fair Trade Kafe Liqueur, Aperol, Aztec Chocolate Bitters, Blood Orange Juice
Piscoretto Sour $11
Pisco, Amaretto, Egg White, Meyer Lemon, Demerra Sugar Simple, Peach Bitters
Michael’s
1147 3rd Street, Santa Monica
I was reading another blog and I thought this is making me hungry, I should stop since it’s too early to think about lunch!
Now I’m thinking it’s worse to think about having all these drinks and it’s only 10AM!
Like your blog and can’t wait to try their fall cocktail menu.
10:02AM
Thanks Atefeh! I know exactly what you mean. Just this morning, I was telling someone about Vu in Marina del Rey and I got an instant craving for their D’Lux Sour: http://treasurela.com/2011/04/brunch-at-vu-why-settle-for-less/
Let me know if you find a favorite cocktail on Michael’s list!
You are not helping it!!!!
)
I’m at work (working hard as you can see!), and all I’m thinking is having a cocktail now
Vu has been in my “to go list” for a while now!
By the sound of it, I should start cocktail hopping now!
10:19! (not even close to lunch time yet!!!)
Check out “Black Market Liquor Bar” if you happen to be around studio city.
AMAZING cocktails, very creative.
I think you’ll love it.
So glad to have eynejod a few of those with you!
BTW during regular service, Manny leaves a little carafe with your martini, so it’s more like 1.5 glasses. He’s the best!
I’ll add that to my list! I don’t get out that way too often, but it looks worth a detour. I’ve got more cocktails coming up soon – a post about Drago Centro’s new fall menu. Keep an eye out
Refresh.
Refresh..
Refresh…
I don’t see your new post! Can’t wait.
I figured whatever I suggest in LA, you’d probably been already; that’s why I suggested Black Market!
It’s great to see people writing about food/ drinks/ LA. I’m too lazy to write, but I enjoy reading about it alot. Glad I ran into your blog. LIKE