Quench Your Thirst with Regional Summertime Spirits
Whether you prefer herbaceous or fruity, classic or contemporary, spirits are the key component to any summertime cocktail. Sure, there are those who will say any frosty beverage will quench your thirst when a heat wave hits, but some libations are more refreshing than others—and it’s never a bad idea to have a few of these recipes on hand.
The Northern Rockies are brimming with small batch distilleries, and indigenous, seasonal ingredients that lend themselves to regionally specific cocktails. Add “drink local” to your philosophy of conscious consumerism, or just experiment with something fresh, by adding one of these tasty combinations to your repetoire.
These makers, mixers and shakers shared the secret ingredients in their favorite drink, so that you can take your next cocktail hour to another level. – The Editors
Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro
Enjoy Olive B’s Montana huckleberry-inspired cocktails this summer on our outdoor patio in Big Sky’s Meadow Village Center. Olive B’s was voted Best Date Night Restaurant in 2017 by Explore Big Sky newspaper readers, and features Continental cuisine, hand cut steaks, fresh fish, wild game and a noteworthy wine list. Join us for lunch or dinner, Monday through Saturday. 151 Center Lane, Big Sky, Montana. For reservations visit olivebsbigsky.com or opentable.com (406) 995-3355
1 1/2 ounces Patrón Citrónge Orange Liquer
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce Huckleberry puree
then shake until frosty. Strain the liquid into the chilled martini glass and
garnish with an orange wedge.
The Spice & Tea Exchange
The Spice & Tea Exchange offers a wide selection of seasonings and exotic teas sure to please any food enthusiast or tea lover. 47 Town Center Avenue, Big Sky, Montana. spiceandtea.com/bigsky (406) 993-2163
1 1/2 ounces Ginger Sugar
750 ml Wildrye Distilling Silver Rum
4 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1 quart unflavored seltzer water
10-12 fresh mint leaves
2 limes, cut into wedges
shallow dish. Dip the rim of each glass into the agave/honey, then dip each glass into the ginger
sugar and twist the glass to coat the rim. Add a lime wedge and mint leave to each glass— using
a spoon, gently crush both to release juice and mint flavor.
fill each glass 3/4 full. Add a splash of seltzer water, and gently stir the contents. Garnish each
glass with a mint sprig and lime wedge. (serves 8-12)
the empty rum bottle, then place a fine mesh sieve on top of funnel. Carefully pour the infused
rum through the sieve into the bottle, capturing the herbal tea. Place the lid back on the rum
bottle and put in the freezer for one hour to chill.
Jackson Hole Still Works
Good friends, owners, and partners Chas Marsh and Travis Goodman are passionate about creating the highest quality grain-to-glass craft spirits, capturing the hard work ethic of the Western frontier into every bottle they produce. Each small batch of Jackson Hole Still Works liquor is produced by hand, which means that they have total control over every aspect of the distillation process. This begins with mashing their 100-percent Wyoming-sourced grains, to fermenting, expelling the alcohol, distilling, aging and bottling.
You can find our Great Grey Gin and Still Works Vodka on the shelves of your favorite Wyoming, Idaho, and—as of June 1—Montana bars and liquor stores. Do you want to see how it’s made and taste it at the source? Visit the distillery for a free tour and tasting. 3940 South Eagle View Drive, Jackson, Wyoming. jhstillworks.com (307) 699-8998
1/2 ounce Aperol Italian apéritif
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce fresh lime juice
2-3 muddled strawberries (our favorite berries are
from Kate’s Garden in Billings, MT)
ounces of club soda into a Collins glass.
