Newhall Refinery has kind of set the bar on the craft cocktail movement in Santa Clarita Valley. I applaud earlier efforts made by Mojitos, SAKE, Mixers and Roman Holiday. And, just so you know it’s not always Newhall Refinery for me, I also appreciate the cocktails at Le Chene, Salt Creek Grille, The Social and others. (And all of the vendors already signed up to participate in Cocktails on the Roof!)
But, though they all offer a Moscow Mule, a Manhattan, and the like, Newhall Refinery has raised the bar by offering spirits, liqueurs, juices and even techniques not always found on the everyday bar list. These include, from the current menu:
Hangar One Vodka
“Spanked” Basil leaves
Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
White Orchard Syrup
Whistle Pig 100-proof Rye
Vya Sweet Vermouth
Cassis Noir De Bourgogne
Abbott’s Bitters
Kimo Sabe Mezcal
White grapes
Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur
Cilantro
Rittenhouse Rye
Luxardo Cherry
Hakushu 12-year-old Japanese Whiskey
Hendricks Gin
Aloe Vera Juice
Angostura Rum
Shipwrecked Spiced Rum
Sam Smith Strawberry Ale
House made fruit leather
Fernet-Branca Digestif
Camus Cognac
Ugly Monkey Moonshine
Fever Tree Tonic
Teelings Irish Whiskey
Suerte Blanco Tequila
So now, lets get to my review:
Bartender Peter Nguyen (Watch this 90-second YouTube slide show to see him in action.) used his expertise to make samples of several of the new cocktail menu items, utilizing every item in the list above. He “spanked” some basil to bring out its flavor, created an Aperitif that would tickle anyone’s appetite, shaved chocolate over the finale…and then some.
The 2016 Spring Cocktail list, and my comments on each that we sampled are noted with *, is below:
Juice Box
Angostura Rum
Sam Smith Strawberry Ale
Orange Juice
Sprite
½ oz. Cassis Noir De Bourgogne
Fruit leather
*Can you say innovative? Adding a little fruit leather to this lovely fruit-filled libation was interesting and fun. Appealing to the child in us all, especially with the flavors of Jolly Rancher Strawberry hard candy that I got. Reminded me of a Mai Tai with a twist.
Clarity
Barr Hill Gin
White Orchard Syrup
Aloe Vera Juice
Fever Tree Tonic
Lime wheels
*One of my favorites of the night, this is not your average G & T. The aloe vera gave it a distinctly different and wholly appealing flavor. Peter called it “a spring G & T option” and I enjoyed it for its sweetness and crispy bite.
Ain’t Life Grape
Hangar One Vodka
White grapes (or red)
Blueberries
Spanked Basil Leaves
Simple Syrup
Lemon Juice (or ¾ oz.)
Blueberry, grape, blueberry
*Loved the used of green grapes, so refreshing. Subtler and less sweet for those that don’t want a sweet cocktail. This was another I would order again.
Bourbon Bramble
Evan Williams Whiskey
St Germain Liqueur
Cassis Noir De Bourgogne
Lemon Wedge
*Make my brown spirit cocktail pink? Blasphemy! But…oh so good. I found it lingering on the palate, and Peter added, “Yes, it definitely lingers, and in the best way possible.”
Poco Pica
Ancho Reyes Liqueur
Kimo Sabe Mezcal
Cucumber Slices
Cilantro
Agave Nectar
Lime wedge, Orange Juice, Sprite
*This was the group’s favorite of the night. And Peter said they were probably going to serve it with a side of sliced cucumber and a dish of chile powder. Like a better Maggie from your fave Mexican restaurant, this one had just the right juxtaposition of fresh appeal and spice.
Extended Vacation
Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur
Mt Gay Dark Rum
Half n Half
Shaved chocolate
*Dessert plain and simple – but not really. Peter called it “adult chocolate milk” and all I could think of was Kahlua and milk taken up a giant notch. For the person that doesn’t have room for dessert, but can’t resist it anyway, order this.
“Refine” your Wine
Hendricks Gin
Raspberry puree
Simple Syrup
Raspberries
*Reminded me of a Bellini, but fresher and with the kick of juniper-cucumber –rose petal infused Hendricks Gin.
Aperitivo
Cassis Noir De Bourgogne
Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur
Soda Water
*We started with this little treat. And it did the job as, again the juxtaposition of heat (the chile liqueur) and sugar (cassis) tickled my taste buds into submission. I wanted this after dinner too. The flavors from the chile liqueur were very reminiscent of tamarind candy, and quite remarkable.
Around the World
Whiskey Flight
– ¾ oz. each of
Teelings Irish
Hakushu Japanese
Whistle Pig, North American
*These I did sample, the last two require a little bit of water in my opinion to open up the flavors and reduce any harshness (often done) however, the Teelings did not. All excellent and definitely on my list when I can’t dare choose between the three. If you haven’t had these it’s a must.
(*We didn’t sample the Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned or Rye Manhattan as they are not new, just favorites that weren’t removed. I’ve ordered and enjoyed them several times and I’m happy they remained on the menu!)
Moscow Mule
Hangar One Vodka
Mint leaves
Lime wedge
Fever Tree Ginger Beer
Mint Sprig, Lime Wedge
Old Fashioned
Evan Williams Bourbon
Orange wheel
Luxardo Cherry
Simple syrup
Bitters
Luxardo cherry
Rye Manhattan
Rittenhouse Rye
Vya Sweet vermouth, divided
Bitters
Luxardo Cherry
Also available:
Mimosa
Bloody Mary
Red Sangria
More Scoops
Rumors of beer flavored ice cream and an in-restaurant barrel aged Manhattan program…
