RYAN WAINWRIGHT LAUNCHES NEW COCKTAIL MENU AT TERRINE

Michael Hepworth

RYAN WAINWRIGHT LAUNCHES NEW COCKTAILS AT TERRINE

West Hollywood(Spiritsman)7/27/15/–Terrine is one of the trendiest restaurants in Los Angeles/West Hollywood area, and the cocktail scene here under head mixologist Ryan Wainwright has always been closely observed by those in the know. Fresh from his appearances in sweltering New Orleans at “Tales of the Cocktail,’ Wainwright launched his new summer drinks menu that should create a bit of a buzz to complement Kris Morningstar’s take on classic French food. Since he has a team of about five very eager bar staff working like beavers shaking, stirring, cutting and much more, even watching them do their stuff is a lot of fun.

All cocktails are in the $11-13 range, so saying all that I start4ed slowly with the crisp and clean “Bell Garden” which consists of Tapatio Tequila mixed w/grapefruit, lime and Cocchi Americano. That one went down very smoothly and was followed by the much heavier “Fantome Fleur,” also Tapatio but this time with Dolin Blanc Vermouth and lime bitters. I know Vermouth is hot right now with mixologists, and this is a much more serious cocktail than the lighter one I started with.

For something more bubbly and refreshing I went for the “French 89”, perfect as a breakfast drink w/eggs that is made with Lecompte Calvados, Lemon and Normandie Cider and was truly refreshing. Quite a few of my fellow writers were going with the “Blackberry Fizz”, an exciting looking concoction made up of Belvedere Unfiltered, Mandarine Napoleon Liqueur, Lemon, Blackberries and Soda.

The “Dunderado” features Tanqueray Old Tom w/Vermouth and Calisaya and is a rich and very strong cocktail and quite elegant. This is a sipping cocktail, but for something maybe a lot more fun, then maybe the “Blood & Sands” might be the way to go with its exotic blend of Dewars 15, House made cherry brandy, Cinzano 1757, Carpano and Orange Juice.

Last but not least then the wildly named “Mr. Menotti’s Gold Coffee Grog” should set you on your way. This has three rums, Chairman, Atlantico and Skippers along with cold brewed coffee and Vanilla Fernet infused whipped cream.

Just a small note for Gin & Tonic aficionados that I did not try this time around. Wainwright uses Aviation Gin and combines it with house made grapefruit juice and Chamomile Tonic.