Local Liquor Buzz

While having a signature cocktail at your reception may be slightly “2000 and late,” the deluge of new distilleries opening in Seattle has inspired brides to reintroduce the trend using locally-made artisanal vodkas, like those made at Sound Spirits in Interbay. The new Black Label Spirits tasting room on Capitol Hill offers 2-ounce tastes for couples looking to craft their own mix (a great wedding party get-together before the big day). Or let the experts take charge. For Redmond couple John and Chani Doggett’s August 21 wedding, Lisa Dupar Catering created two locally fueled vodka drinks for the cocktail hour: a rosemary-laced greyhound and a pretty pink raspberry martini. “We love the fun cocktails at Pomegranate Bistro and wanted to include a personal touch,” Chani says. “We received a ton of positive feedback; people had no clue there were local vodka options!” 

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• The Groom’s “Rosemary Greyhound” Cocktail Developed by Lisa Dupar Catering
  
  • 1½ oz. locally distilled vodka (try Sounds Spirits’ Ebb + Flow vodka)
  • 1 oz. rosemary simple syrup (see note)
  • 1½ oz. ruby red grapefruit juice
  • 1½ oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

Shake all ingredients well and pour into a rocks glass; garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Note: To make rosemary syrup, combine 1½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of water and 1 sprig of rosemary in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let steep for about 20 minutes. Strain and cool. Makes enough for 8 servings.

• U-Pick Raspberry Martini
  
  • 1½ oz. locally distilled vodka (try Black Label Pain City vodka)
  • 8 or 9 fresh raspberries
  • ½ oz. cranberry juice
  • ¼ oz. sweet vermouth
  • ½ oz. simple syrup
  • Touch of lime juice

Shake ingredients and strain into a martini glass. Add one additional raspberry for garnish.

• Stockholm 75 Recipe courtesy of drinksmixer.com
  
  • 1½ oz. locally distilled vodka (try Bainbridge Organic’s Legacy Organic vodka)
  • 2 tsp. superfine sugar
  • 1½ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 4 oz. chilled champagne
  • 1 twist orange peel

Combine vodka, sugar,and lemon juice in a shaker. Shake well. Pour into cocktail glass. Top with champagne and garnish with orange twist.

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Seattle area distilleries (open at press time, more to come!)

• Sound Spirits
  Interbay, 1630 15th Ave. SW; 206.651.5166;
  Ebb + Flow vodka
  Made from single-malt barley, this vodka has a hint of sweetness and delicate creamy vanilla notes. Pairs well with citrus and St-Germain liqueur.

• Bainbridge Organic Distillers
  9727 Coppertop Loop NE, Suite 101, Bainbridge Island; 206.842. 3184
  Legacy Organic vodka
  Crisp and pure, with hints of vanilla, citrus peel and cereal biscuit. Pairs well with classic vodka cocktails.

• Black Label Spirits
  Set to open next month on Capitol Hill, 954 E. Union St.
  Rain City vodka
  A clean, full-bodied vodka with a smooth finish. This vodka fits perfectly in most mixed cocktails and pairs well with both sweet and tart, citrusy additions.

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