Story by Dave Eckert | Intro photo by Social Kansas City
To accompany my Summer on a Stick article, publisher Renée Demott asked me to research some of my favorite adult beverages to beat the summer heat. Geez, these assignments just keep getting harder and harder. Okay, Renée, if you insist.
Let’s start with what most people think of when it comes to a cooling summertime adult beverage – beer. Of course, science tells us that any beverage containing alcohol will have the opposite effect on the human body. But, hey, I never cared for science that much in school, and after all, I’m just following orders.
I turned to two local beer dudes for their opinions-a brewery owner and a beer enthusiast and expert. First, John Kennebeck. John Kennebeck is the owner of 3 Halves Brewpub & BBQ, just off the square in downtown Liberty. Kennebeck wasted no time, nor words, for his pick. “3 Halves Pina Colada Sour, which has tart notes of fresh pineapple and coconut, and takes you directly to your favorite beach spot!” Kennebeck exclaimed.
Nick Weinel is a teacher, coach, beer lover, and malted beverage expert who shares his knowledge and passion for all things beer at Oak and Steel, a beer and bourbon-centric bar in The Crossroads. ”Premiant from Alma Mader is not only my favorite summer beer, it’s also my desert island beer. You can drink it after you mow your yard, poolside, or with your steak dinner. I also like it because it’s a beer made in Kansas City by people from Kansas City. A clean, crisp lager is one of the most difficult beers to make because it will show even the slightest flaw. Premiant is made with precision and high-quality ingredients by high quality people,” Weinel shared. That’s two desert islands and one star-studded sky! This is going to be a very good summer!
Okay, how about some refreshing summer cocktails? From Parkville’s Acre Restaurant and chef-owner Andrew Longres comes Rollin’ in the Hay! Consisting of Breezeway Rum, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Toasted Hay, Ginger, and Hibiscus, Longres says the cocktail is summer in a glass. “Layered, complex and just a bit wild, we wanted a cocktail that cools you down but still carries some fire. We added ginger and pepper for a little kick, toasted hay and turmeric for that earthy warmth, and hibiscus to brighten the whole experience,” Longres shared. Sounds amazing. Anyone up for a trip to Parkville?
More summer cocktail options can be found at one of my favorite restaurants – Extra Virgin. EV sent along these options:
- Major Spain. Inspired by the Spanish Kalimotxo, this drink combines red wine, spiced orange cola syrup, and citrus for a fantastic low-alcohol option, perhaps for sipping on the EV patio this summer.
- STR-Aubrey Hepburn. A light and effervescent cocktail reminiscent of its iconic namesake, with vodka, strawberry, basil, and cucumber, topped with seltzer!
- Barrel-Aged Negroni. Because every season is the right time for maybe the world’s most perfect classic cocktail! Extra Virgin’s iteration is barrel-aged to mellow some of the Negroni’s bitter edges.
- Clarified Mango Punch. Extra Virgin has featured a clarified milk punch cocktail for a while, with rotating tropical flavors. Mango will be their late summer flavor du jour. “Extra Virgin has maintained a robust and respected cocktail program since day one,” said general manager Andrew Niemeyer.
Rollin’ in the Hay
Photo Credit: Pilsen Photo Co-op
Description: Breezeway Rum, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Toasted Hay, Ginger, Hibiscus
“‘Rollin’ in the Hay’ is summer in a glass — layered, complex and just a bit wild. We wanted a cocktail that cools you down but still carries some fire: ginger and pepper for a little kick, toasted hay and turmeric for that earthy warmth, and hibiscus to brighten the whole experience. Whether it’s blazing hot or just breezy it’s the kind of sip that invites you to slow down and savor the season. And the violet foam is a fun visual wink.”
Clarified Mango Punch
Photo Credit: Social Kansas City
Description: A cocktail with rotating tropical flavors. Mango will be our late summer flavor du jour.
“Extra Virgin has developed a seasonal lineup of proprietary cocktails and expertly crafted the classics, always striving to use local spirits whenever possible. Our long-standing relationships with distillers like J. Rieger, Tom’s Town, and Union Horse have led to countless cocktail dinners and other exciting events.
