Veggie-Tails & Fruity Libations
Just a few blocks away from the W Hotel is the Ava Lounge at 210 W 55th. Since a rain shower had just passed, I had no problem getting a seat on the rooftop lounge, though it filled up in a matter of minutes shortly-there-after. The views were great and the décor was trendy yet casual.
After reading an article about the recent rise of vegetable-based cocktails, I felt I had to give the “Cucumber Cooler” from their cocktail menu a try. The drink featured vodka with cucumber puree, mint, simple syrup, and sprite. It might not have been listed as one of the ingredients, but I swear there was a fair amount of black pepper thrown in there that I could have done without. Overall, it was rather refreshing; though I’d swap out the sprite for some club soda and a squeeze of lime (you’re already getting the sweetness from the simple syrup).
For a second round, I took my server’s suggestion and ordered the “Lemonade Stand,” with Citron vodka, muddled lemons, fresh lime juice, Sprite, and club soda. I find you can’t lose with a lemonade drink on a hot day, but I also enjoy a little more flavor in the mix. Try this one to quench your thirst:
Blueberry Lemonade:
1 1/2 parts Hiram Walker Blueberry Passion Schnapps
2 parts Hiram Walker Triple Sec (60 proof)
Lemonade to fill
Pour Schnapps and Triple Sec into a tumbler full of ice. Fill with lemonade and stir. Garnish with a lemon twist.

1 Comment
January 14, 2009 at 8:00 pm
[...] – bookmarked by 2 members originally found by opentorrent on 2009-01-05 New York, Part Four: The Ava Lounge http://cocktailculture.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/new-york-part-four-the-ava-lounge/ – bookmarked by [...]