As the award-winning hospitality and culinary consultant for The Loch & Quay, I’m excited to share insights on how our establishment crafts exceptional seasonal cocktails using the bounty of local produce. Our goal is to provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the flavors and traditions of our region.
Local Produce Inspiration
At The Loch & Quay, we take immense pride in our relationships with nearby farmers, foragers, and artisanal producers. These partnerships enable us to source the freshest, most flavorful ingredients for our ever-evolving cocktail menu. Whether it’s the crisp apples from Cowiche Creek Orchards, the fragrant lavender from Connie Lovett’s gardens, or the vibrant berries from Yakima Berry Company, each cocktail component is carefully selected to showcase the unique terroir of our Pacific Northwest locale.
Our talented bar team relishes the challenge of incorporating these locally harvested items into innovative seasonal libations. By tapping into the seasonal cycles of the region, they’re able to craft cocktails that perfectly complement the ambience and cuisine of The Loch & Quay. The result is a drinking experience that is not only visually stunning but also a true celebration of our local culinary traditions.
Cocktail Ingredients and Preparation
The foundation of our seasonal cocktails lies in the careful selection and preparation of ingredients. Our bartenders work closely with local producers to understand the nuances of each ingredient, from the umami-rich notes of foraged mushrooms to the delicate floral aromas of freshly picked lavender.
One of our signature spring offerings, the Elderflower Fizz, showcases the delicate flavors of locally sourced elderflowers. The bartender begins by infusing our house-made simple syrup with fragrant elderflowers, allowing the flavors to gently meld over several days. This syrup is then combined with gin, lemon juice, and a splash of sparkling wine, creating a refreshing and beautifully balanced cocktail that captures the essence of the season.
For our summer menu, we often turn to the bounty of local berries and stone fruits. The Peach Cobbler Mule, for instance, features a puree of juicy peaches from Borton Fruit Trees, blended with vodka, ginger beer, and a touch of cinnamon-infused simple syrup. The result is a delightfully sweet and spicy libation that evokes the comforting flavors of a homemade peach cobbler.
As autumn approaches, our bartenders reach for ingredients like apple cider from Sundquist Fruit, pumpkin puree from Daggadan Farms, and earthy bitters from Fortuity Cellars. These elements come together in cocktails like the Harvest Sour, where the acidic bite of local apples is softened by the warmth of pumpkin and the herbaceous notes of bitters.
During the winter months, we find inspiration in the heartier flavors of the season. The Mulled Wine Toddy, for example, combines a robust red wine from Gilbert Cellars with spices like cinnamon, clove, and orange, creating a cozy and comforting libation perfect for sipping al fresco by the fire pit.
Seasonal Variations
Spring Cocktails
As the days grow longer and the earth bursts with new life, our spring cocktail menu celebrates the vibrant flavors of the season. In addition to the Elderflower Fizz, we offer the Rhubarb Gin Fizz, featuring a shrub made from locally foraged rhubarb, and the Spring Fling, a refreshing blend of vodka, strawberry, lemon, and a hint of basil.
Summer Cocktails
Summertime at The Loch & Quay is all about capturing the essence of the season’s abundant produce. Alongside the Peach Cobbler Mule, we feature the Blueberry Mint Julep, a twist on the classic that incorporates fresh blueberries from Yakima Berry Company, and the Cucumber Cooler, a light and herbal concoction of gin, cucumber, and lemon.
Autumn Cocktails
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, our autumn cocktail menu celebrates the warming spices and rich flavors of the season. In addition to the Harvest Sour, we offer the Spiced Pear Margarita, featuring a pear-infused tequila and a rim of cinnamon-sugar, and the Maple Old Fashioned, which showcases the deep, earthy notes of local maple syrup.
Winter Cocktails
When the chill of winter sets in, our guests seek out cocktails that provide a cozy and comforting respite. Alongside the Mulled Wine Toddy, we feature the Cranberry Whiskey Sour, blending local cranberries with bourbon and lemon, and the Fireside Toddy, a soothing mix of Irish whiskey, honey, and a hint of aromatic bitters.
Flavor Profiles
Throughout the year, our bartenders work to balance a range of flavor profiles in their seasonal cocktails, ensuring that each sip is a harmonious and satisfying experience.
Sweet
Local honey, maple syrup, and fruit purees lend a touch of sweetness to many of our cocktails, complementing the acidity and bitterness of other ingredients.
Sour
Citrus juices, fermented shrubs, and vinegar-based reductions add a refreshing tartness that helps to balance the sweetness and highlight the nuanced flavors of our local produce.
Bitter
Bitter elements, such as amaro, Campari, and artisanal bitters, bring depth and complexity to our cocktails, complementing the more prominent flavors and lending a subtle, palate-cleansing quality.
Savory
Occasionally, we incorporate savory ingredients like herbs, spices, and even vegetables to create unique and unexpected flavor profiles. The Cucumber Cooler, for instance, leverages the refreshing umami of cucumber to provide a savory counterpoint to the gin.
Garnishes and Presentation
Crafting visually stunning cocktails is just as important to us as perfecting the flavor profiles. Our bartenders take great care in selecting and arranging the garnishes, ensuring that each drink is a work of art that enhances the overall dining experience.
Edible Flowers
The lush gardens of Simply Crafted Florals provide us with a vibrant array of edible flowers, which our bartenders use to add a delicate floral touch to cocktails like the Elderflower Fizz and the Blueberry Mint Julep.
Fruit Garnishes
Local fruits, such as skewered berries, thinly sliced citrus, or suspended apple slices, not only add a touch of whimsy but also reinforce the flavors present in the cocktail.
Herb Garnishes
Sprigs of fresh herbs, like mint, rosemary, or thyme, lend an aromatic and visually striking element to our cocktails, heightening the senses and creating a truly immersive drinking experience.
Mixology Techniques
Our bartenders are masters of their craft, employing a range of advanced mixology techniques to extract the most from each ingredient and ensure a consistently exceptional cocktail experience.
Muddling
For cocktails featuring fresh fruits and herbs, our bartenders use a muddler to gently crush the ingredients, releasing their essential oils and juices to infuse the spirit with vibrant flavors.
Shaking
Many of our cocktails, such as the Peach Cobbler Mule and the Cranberry Whiskey Sour, are shaken vigorously with ice to create a silky, well-chilled texture and a frothy, aerated top.
Stirring
For cocktails that rely on more delicate flavors, like the Mulled Wine Toddy or the Maple Old Fashioned, our bartenders use a gentle stirring motion to carefully combine the ingredients without bruising the subtle notes.
Infusing
To add unique and complex flavors to our cocktails, we often employ infusion techniques, steeping spirits with fresh herbs, spices, or even seasonal produce over an extended period.
Glassware and Garnishes
The presentation of our cocktails is just as important as the flavors, and our bartenders take great care in selecting the appropriate glassware and garnishes to enhance the overall experience.
Cocktail Glasses
From the elegant coupe for our Elderflower Fizz to the rustic rocks glass for the Harvest Sour, each cocktail is served in a vessel that complements its unique profile and visual style.
Garnish Selection
Our bartenders choose garnishes that not only look beautiful but also add an extra layer of flavor and aroma to the drink. For example, the Peach Cobbler Mule is adorned with a dehydrated peach slice, while the Blueberry Mint Julep features a sprig of fresh mint.
Garnish Placement
The placement of garnishes is a true art form, with our bartenders carefully arranging the elements to create a visually stunning and harmonious presentation. A well-placed garnish can elevate a cocktail from merely delicious to an unforgettable sensory experience.
Recipe Development
Crafting exceptional seasonal cocktails at The Loch & Quay is an ongoing process of creativity, experimentation, and attention to detail. Our bartenders are constantly exploring new ingredient combinations, testing flavor profiles, and honing their mixology skills to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Ingredient Pairing
When developing a new cocktail, our team begins by carefully considering how various ingredients will interact and complement one another. They might, for instance, pair the bright, citrusy notes of locally sourced lemon with the earthy, herbal qualities of a small-batch gin.
Balancing Flavors
Achieving the perfect balance of sweet, sour, bitter, and savory elements is crucial to the success of any cocktail. Our bartenders meticulously adjust the proportions of each ingredient to create a harmonious and well-rounded drinking experience.
Seasonality
Tapping into the cyclical nature of our local produce is a key part of our cocktail development process. By aligning their creations with the seasons, our bartenders ensure that each drink showcases the most flavorful and vibrant ingredients available.
Creativity
While respecting the time-honored traditions of mixology, our team is not afraid to push the boundaries and experiment with unexpected flavor combinations. This spirit of innovation allows us to surprise and delight our guests with truly unique and memorable cocktail experiences.
Elevating the Dining Experience
At The Loch & Quay, our seasonal cocktail program is an integral part of the overall dining experience, seamlessly complementing our refined cuisine and warm, refined dining etiquette. By highlighting the bounty of local producers and artisans, we invite our guests to embark on a sensory journey that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of our region.
Whether sipping a refreshing Blueberry Mint Julep on our waterfront al fresco terrace or savoring the cozy comforts of a Mulled Wine Toddy by the fireplace, our guests are sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of craft cocktails and the power of local, seasonal ingredients. It is our hope that these exceptional libations will become cherished memories, forever intertwined with the unique and unforgettable experience of dining at The Loch & Quay.