June 2025 in the Cocktail Kitchen
Summer Sips: The Stories Behind Our June 2025 Cocktail Tasting
Summer’s here, and on Cherry Street, we’re shaking, stirring, and straining up a menu that’ll make your taste buds do a cannonball. Get ready to meet four cocktails that are as cool as your favorite bartender and twice as charming. We’re talking milk-washed magic, daiquiri drama, sours with a sailor’s swagger, and a martini that’s straight from the campfire. Let’s break down the stories, and science behind each glass.
Berry Tales: The Strawberry Cheesecake in a Coupe
Ever wanted to drink your dessert and still look classy? Enter the Berry Tales—a milk-clarified cocktail starring Hayner gin and vodka, vanilla, almond syrup, allspice, fresh strawberries, lemon, and our house bitters. The result? It tastes like strawberry cheesecake just got a PhD in mixology.
But what’s with the milk clarification? This trick dates back to the 1600s, when English drinkers (and even Benjamin Franklin) needed a way to mellow out rough spirits and keep their punch shelf-stable long before fridges were a thing. By adding milk to an acidic mix, the proteins curdle and trap all the harsh bits, leaving behind a clear, silky, and super-smooth drink that can last for months.
Pink Pony Daiquiri: A Summer Classic with a Twist
Next up, the Pink Pony Daiquiri—rum and lime, jazzed up with strawberry and dragonfruit. It’s bright, it’s zippy, and it’s gorgeous.
The daiquiri itself is a legend, born in Cuba and made famous by thirsty Americans and Ernest Hemingway. This simple mix of rum, lime, and sugar was the bartender’s answer to tropical heat and questionable water supplies. Over the decades, it’s gone from a beachside staple to a global classic, with endless fruity riffs—like our Pink Pony—keeping the party going.
Barberry Vodka Sour: Tart, Tangy, and Totally Nautical
The Barberry Vodka Sour is our homage to the sailors who basically invented the “sour” to keep scurvy at bay. Back in the day, British naval officers mixed spirits with lemon or lime to make their daily vitamin C a little more fun (and a lot more boozy). Fast forward to post-WWII America, and vodka took the nation by storm—thanks to clever marketing and a thirst for something smooth and neutral. Now, vodka sours are a staple, and ours features Hayner Vodka, strawberry and rhubarb syrup, and lemon for a tart, tangy, and totally refreshing sip.
S’mores Tini: Dessert in a Glass, No Campfire Required
Last but not least, the S’mores Tini. Chocolate, amaretto, mezcal, allspice, marshmallow syrup, and vanilla.
Dessert martinis exploded in the late 20th century, as American drinkers decided their cocktails should taste like their favorite sweets. From chocolate to espresso to the infamous Appletini, these drinks are all about indulgence and nostalgia. The S’mores Tini is our fireside twist, blending smoky mezcal with gooey chocolate and marshmallow flavors—no sticky fingers required.
Ready to Sip?
Whether you’re a history buff, a cocktail nerd, or just thirsty for something new, our summer lineup has you covered. So pull up a stool, grab a shaker, and let’s make some memories—one delicious drink at a time. Cheers!