The bar at the La Belle Vie lounge is not just a place to get a drink. It’s more like a shrine to the power of a skillfully mixed cocktail. The bar’s hardware is an arcane array of tinctures, spirits, and garnishes, but it’s the software that counts—in this case, the creative mind of new head bartender Adam Gorski, who honed his craft at Bradstreet Crafthouse and Eat Street Social.
A summery cocktail called Chef Said is Gorski’s take on a White Negroni. The drink’s fresh bright astringency is due to two beguiling spirits: Cocchi Americano, an aperitif wine similar to Lillet Blanc, and Suze’s bitter gentian liqueur, both available locally at specialty liquor stores.
Not all gins are made alike, so follow Gorski’s recommendations when mixing at home: “For this drink I like to use a traditional London dry, like Gordon’s or Tanqueray, but lighter gins like Plymouth or Bombay Sapphire work for lighter gin fans.”
The Chef Said Cocktail
Makes 1 drink
1.5 oz gin
1 oz Cocchi Americano
.5 oz Suze gentian liqueur
1 eye dropper bittercube bolivar bitters
- Mix all ingredients in a mixing glass, stir with ice, strain into martini glass or coupe.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
