Yard House, known for its selection of craft beer and taps, is also a favorite destination for libations. Next month, the restaurant will debut four new cocktails starting September 12 at all Yard House locations. The new adult concoctions feature fresh ingredients including thyme, pineapple, and strawberry as well as new house-made syrups.
“People first think of Yard House as the go-to place to find the best in local craft and import beer,” says Gregory Howard, director of beverage strategy for Yard House. “And we certainly are a destination for that. But we’re also constantly evolving our cocktail program to stay on the cutting edge. We like to keep it fresh by making our own syrups, mixes, citrus agave blends and ginger beer using only premium ingredients. I think doing so reflects our ‘from scratch’ philosophy from what we do behind the kitchen door to what we do front and center at the bar.”
The new line-up of cocktails includes:
Old Fashioned—This classic cocktail, first introduced at the end of the 19th century and one of six basic drinks listed in David A. Embury’s The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, has made a comeback in recent years and Yard House has further updated it with a new mix & match perspective. Guests assume the role of mixologist with a choice of spirits—Four Roses Original Bourbon, Bulleit Rye, Del Maguey “Vida” Mezcal or Zaya 12 Year Gran Reserva Rum—as well as a choice of house-made syrups, including brown sugar, fig, sour cherry or blackberry. It’s served in a snifter with skewer of orange peel and a black cherry.
Yuzu Gin Cooler—This refreshing and elegant drink features The Botanist Gin, fresh thyme and is infused with fresh yuzu, a citrus hybrid fruit from East Asia consisting of sour mandarin and Ichang papeda. The drink is served in a cooler glass with a sprig of fresh thyme offering beautiful botanical aromatics.
Tahitian Moonshine—Moonshine is no longer relegated to the bathtub as this drink demonstrates with its island-style blend of vanilla, orange and pineapple flavors. The seemingly contrasting flavors of un-oaked whiskey and citrus fruit flavors play off each other effortlessly and the drink is finished with fresh pineapple, strawberry, and orange.
Orange Blossom Special—This graceful bittersweet beverage, featuring floral honey blossom and Mandarin orange flavors uses Hangar 1 Mandarin Blossom Vodka, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, a dash of aromatic bitters, and Yard House’s own citrus agave blend.
“The common thread with these new drinks, as with all of our cocktails, is fresh and simple ingredients put together in a classic yet sophisticated way,” Howard adds. “They’re a complement to our food. We’re pleased to offer these cocktails and are excited to see our guests’ reactions to the new beverages.”
