Discovering the Region’s Cocktail Culture Influencers
As the premier dining and hospitality destination of The Loch & Quay, we take great pride in curating an unparalleled experience for our guests. At the heart of this lies our vibrant cocktail program, which celebrates the finest local ingredients, innovative mixology, and the rich cultural traditions of our region.
Emerging Cocktail Scenes
Beyond the confines of our award-winning dining rooms, the surrounding area has emerged as a hotbed for cocktail creativity. The historic port town of Avendale, just a short drive from our waterfront property, has seen a renaissance of specialty cocktail bars that are redefining the local drinking culture. Establishments like The Tippling House and The Alchemist showcase the talents of innovative bartenders who are pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes.
At The Tippling House, head bartender Olivia Sinclair has built a loyal following with her inventive takes on classics. Her “Lavender Gin Fizz” marries local gin with house-made lavender syrup, crème de violette, and soda water for a delicate, fragrant sipper. Meanwhile, The Alchemist’s resident mixologist, Alex Donovan, has developed a reputation for his molecular mixology techniques. His “Smoked Old Fashioned” features a pour of small-batch bourbon infused with apple wood smoke, bitters, and a hand-carved ice sphere.
Signature Cocktail Styles
Tracing its origins to the region’s abundant natural resources, the cocktail scene here has developed its own distinct styles and flavor profiles. One notable example is the emergence of foraged cocktails, which incorporate locally sourced botanicals, herbs, and wild-harvested ingredients. At The Loch & Quay, our award-winning bartender Liam Donovan has created a seasonal “Foraged Negroni” that highlights pine and juniper notes from locally foraged botanicals.
Another hallmark of the local cocktail culture is an appreciation for artisanal, small-batch spirits. Craft distilleries like Glenridge Distilling and River Bend Spirits have gained a loyal following for their innovative spirits that capture the essence of our terroir. Their products frequently find their way into the unique cocktail offerings at area bars and restaurants.
Influential Bartenders
Beyond the walls of our own establishment, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the region’s most influential bartenders. Take Jade Samara, for example, whose work at the acclaimed speakeasy, The Blind Tiger, has made her a fixture in the local cocktail scene. Her meticulous attention to detail and passion for classic cocktail techniques have earned her accolades from industry peers and discerning drinkers alike.
Similarly, Nora Chambers, the head bartender at The Loch & Quay, has become a driving force in elevating the region’s cocktail culture. Her creative cocktail menus showcase a deep understanding of flavor profiles and a commitment to using the finest local and seasonal ingredients. Nora’s work has been featured in publications like Imbibe and Punch, drawing well-deserved attention to the exceptional cocktail experiences available in our corner of the world.
Artisanal Spirits and Unique Mixers
The foundation of our cocktail program lies in the exceptional quality of the spirits and mixers we use. We are proud to partner with local distilleries that are producing world-class liquors, from the rich, oak-aged bourbons of Glenridge Distilling to the crisp, botanical gins of River Bend Spirits. These artisanal spirits serve as the canvas for our bartenders to showcase their creativity.
In addition to premium spirits, we also place a strong emphasis on unique, house-made mixers and garnishes. Our in-house “tonic lab” is constantly experimenting with new flavor combinations, from seasonal berry-infused tonics to fragrant, aromatic bitters. These custom mixers allow our bartenders to craft cocktails that are truly one-of-a-kind, highlighting the bounty of our region.
Cocktail-Focused Events and Venues
The enthusiasm for exceptional cocktails extends beyond the confines of our restaurant, with a vibrant ecosystem of specialty cocktail bars, mixology workshops, and annual festivals that draw enthusiasts from near and far. The Avendale Cocktail Festival, held each September, has become a must-attend event for cocktail aficionados, featuring seminars, tastings, and showcases from some of the region’s top bartenders and distillers.
Similarly, The Blind Tiger’s monthly “Bartender’s Challenge” has become a highlight for local hospitality professionals, who compete to create innovative cocktails using a surprise selection of ingredients. These types of events not only celebrate the craft of mixology, but also foster a sense of community and collaboration among the area’s cocktail luminaries.
The Business of Cocktails
Underpinning the flourishing cocktail culture in our region is a robust network of businesses and influencers who are shaping the industry. Craft distilleries like Glenridge and River Bend Spirits have not only produced award-winning spirits, but have also invested in education and advocacy efforts to elevate the profile of local liquor.
Meanwhile, cocktail consultants like Jade Samara and Nora Chambers have lent their expertise to local bars and restaurants, helping to curate innovative beverage programs that showcase the region’s unique flavors. Their work has been amplified by a thriving cocktail media landscape, with publications like The Loch & Quay and local blogs championing the accomplishments of the area’s top mixologists.
In a world where homogeneity often prevails, our region has carved out a distinct identity as a premier cocktail destination. From the artisanal spirits that form the foundation of our drinks to the pioneering bartenders who are pushing the boundaries of mixology, this is a place where the cocktail culture is thriving. Whether you’re enjoying a meticulously crafted umami-forward Manhattan at The Tippling House or sipping a foraged Negroni while taking in the scenic waterfront views of The Loch & Quay, you’ll find that the cocktail experience here is truly one-of-a-kind.