Perched on the rugged cliffs of The Loch & Quay, our acclaimed waterfront restaurant offers guests a refined dining experience infused with the captivating tales of the region’s storied maritime past. As our skilled bartenders craft the evening’s libations, they draw inspiration from the very landscapes and seascapes that surround us, creating cocktails that evoke the essence of this extraordinary destination.
Cocktail Inspiration
Maritime History
From the age of sail to the golden era of steamship travel, The Loch & Quay’s coastal home has long been a hub of nautical adventure and exploration. Our bartenders honor this rich heritage by weaving narratives of seafaring expeditions, coastal shipwrecks, and the colorful characters who have graced these waters into each carefully curated cocktail.
Regional Flavors
The bounty of the local terroir also plays a starring role in our signature cocktail program. Our mixologists source the freshest seasonal produce, wild-foraged botanicals, and artisanal spirits from nearby distilleries to capture the essence of the region in every glass. By celebrating the culinary traditions and natural abundance of our coastal environment, we aim to transport our guests on a sensory journey that is distinctly of this place.
Seasonal Ingredients
Throughout the year, our cocktail menu evolves to showcase the ever-changing bounty of the seasons. In spring, we might feature bright, herbaceous libations made with local rhubarb and foraged wild greens. As summer arrives, the menu shifts to showcase the vibrant citrus, berries, and stone fruits abundant in our coastal climate. And in the colder months, our bartenders turn to robust, warming ingredients like local honey, spiced syrups, and barrel-aged spirits to craft cocktails that are both comforting and complex.
Cocktail Crafting
Mixing Techniques
Our bartenders are masters of their craft, employing a range of advanced mixing techniques to coax out the nuanced flavors of each ingredient. From precise barrel-aging and meticulous fat-washing to delicate acid-balancing and inventive carbonation, their methodical approach ensures that every sip is a harmonious symphony of flavors.
Glassware Selection
The presentation of our cocktails is equally important as their flavor profile. Our bartenders carefully select the appropriate glassware to showcase each drink, whether it’s a classic coupe, a traditional highball, or a whimsical tiki mug. The vessel’s shape, size, and material work in tandem to enhance the overall drinking experience, complementing the cocktail’s aromas, textures, and visual appeal.
Garnish Presentation
No cocktail is complete without the final flourish of a thoughtfully selected garnish. Our bartenders approach this stage with the same level of artistry and attention to detail as the mixing process. Fragrant citrus peels, delicate edible flowers, and precise sculptural ice all serve to elevate the sensory experience, inviting guests to engage with the drink on multiple levels.
Maritime History
Nautical Themes
From the driftwood-inspired decor to the panoramic views of the churning sea, every aspect of The Loch & Quay’s ambiance pays homage to the region’s seafaring heritage. Our cocktail menu further reinforces this nautical motif, with drinks that evoke the sights, sounds, and even the scents of life on the water.
Seafaring Tales
Each cocktail on our menu is imbued with a captivating backstory, transporting guests on a journey through the annals of local maritime history. Whether it’s the legendary story of a notorious shipwreck, the daring exploits of a celebrated explorer, or the quirky anecdotes of a beloved harbor master, these narratives bring an additional layer of depth and discovery to the drinking experience.
Coastal Landscapes
The rugged beauty of our coastal landscape serves as the inspiration for many of our signature cocktails. Bartenders might draw from the crisp, bracing notes of a roaring sea breeze, the warm, earthy aromas of sun-drenched driftwood, or the bright, tart flavors of freshly picked coastal berries to capture the essence of this singular setting.
Regional Flavors
Local Produce
Sourcing the freshest, most local ingredients is a point of pride for our culinary team, and our bartenders share this unwavering commitment. By forging close relationships with nearby farms, orchards, and artisanal producers, they ensure that each cocktail showcases the bounty of the region in its most vibrant form.
Seasonal Harvests
As the seasons shift, so too does the cocktail menu at The Loch & Quay. In spring, guests might sip on a rhubarb-infused gin and tonic or a bright, herbaceous nettle-tinged fizz. Summer welcomes the arrival of juicy, sun-ripened berries and stone fruits, which find their way into refreshing shrub-based libations and sparkling cocktails. As autumn approaches, the menu turns towards warming spices, robust barrel-aged spirits, and the earthy, savory notes of locally foraged mushrooms and herbs.
Indigenous Botanicals
Our mixologists also take great pride in showcasing the unique botanical bounty of the region, incorporating wild-foraged herbs, flowers, and berries into their creations. From the bracing, piney notes of local juniper to the delicate, floral aromas of coastal elderflower, these indigenous ingredients lend a singular sense of place to every cocktail.
Cocktail Ingredients
Spirits
While the cocktail menu at The Loch & Quay offers a range of classic spirit bases, from gin and vodka to rum and whiskey, our bartenders also showcase the exceptional work of nearby craft distilleries. By highlighting these local producers, we not only support the regional economy but also invite our guests to discover the unique terroir-driven flavors that emerge from this singular coastal environment.
Mixers
In addition to the spirits, our cocktail program also places a strong emphasis on the quality and provenance of our mixers. Fresh-pressed juices, artisanal syrups, and small-batch bitters and tonics are carefully selected to complement the flavors of the base spirits and local ingredients.
Cocktail Presentation
Glassware
The vessels that hold our cocktails are just as thoughtfully considered as the liquids themselves. In some cases, we might employ traditional coupe or highball glasses to showcase the elegant simplicity of a classic Martini or Negroni. For our more whimsical, tiki-inspired creations, we opt for playful ceramic mugs or tumblers that evoke the carefree spirit of seaside leisure.
Garnishes
No cocktail at The Loch & Quay is complete without a meticulously crafted garnish that enhances both the visual appeal and the sensory experience. Vibrant citrus peels, delicate edible flowers, and precisely sculpted ice all work in harmony to elevate the final presentation, inviting guests to engage with the drink on multiple levels.
Whether you’re raising a glass to the region’s storied maritime history or simply seeking to savor the flavors of the local terroir, the curated cocktail menu at The Loch & Quay promises to transport you on a sensory journey that is truly one-of-a-kind. We invite you to join us in raising a toast to the captivating tales and bountiful flavors that make this destination so extraordinary.