67 Orange Conjures Up Creative Cocktails
A few weeks back I attended a Bourbon Tasting at Harlem hot spot 67 Orange Street. 67 Orange, which is named for the address of one of the first black‐owned and operated bars in New York City, is owned by Karl Franz Williams of Society Cafe fame and has been open almost a year. This was my first time in this self-described speakeasy and also my first time trying bourbon.
I had an impression of bourbon as an old man's drink - the kind that would put hair on your chest.Resident Mixologist Kali Erwin sent out a progression of four cocktail shots that gave you an idea of bourbon's diversity and helped to change my perception.
The first was a straight shot of Basil Hayden Bourbon, which was surprisingly smooth and light.That was followed by a Brown Derby and an Ol' Fashionista, which featured muddled citrus, but was a bit too tart for my taste. By far my favorite was the Mint Julep which used Erwin's secret ingredient, Burnt Sugar - which she claims you can pick up at your local Rite Aid- and gave the drink a dark charcoal-like appearance. Mint Juleps are from the same family of drinks as my favorite drink the Mojito known as "smashes" so it's no surprise that I enjoyed it. I like sweet, girly drinks - sue me.
To soak up the liquor I ordered some potato chips expecting to get some overpriced Lay's in a fancy basket. To my surprise I got some freshly fried potato slices that really hit the spot. I didn't order anything else but the food being brought out to other's tables looked and smelled really good. The space at 67 Orange is small, but the intimate, cozy atmosphere and warm lighting would make this a perfect place for a date night cap. The bourbon left me with a nice warm feeling that was grat for the walk home that cold night.
Continuing their Cocktail Education Series 67 Orange will be holding tastings every Tuesday in November,
Tonight from 8:30pm- 10:00pm they are hosting a tasting featuring Brasil's Cabana Cachaca tequila
You must RSVP to reservations@67orangestreet.com
67 Orange Street
2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd (8th Ave between 112th and 113th Sts.)
