Dullboy: Classic Gimlet
When prepared correctly, the gimlet is one of the cleanest drinks you can get. However, you’d be surprised at how many cocktail bars manage to screw this classic up. Some are overly fizzy, others are too strong, and some are downright tangy. Made with just three ingredients — gin (or vodka), simple syrup, and lime — Dullboy’s gimlets (pictured left) are the perfect refresher for these warm autumn days.
Bonus: The mixologists at Dullboy have mastered every classic cocktail you can think of, so go ahead and get that Manhattan. It’ll change your life.
Third & Vine: Autumn Sazerac
The best sazerac I ever drank was prepared by master mixologist Giuseppe Gonzalez of Flatiron Lounge, Clover Club, and Dutch Kills fame. No sazerac has come close to his. That is, until now. Third & Vine has taken a classic drink and given it a seasonal twist — a bold move, but one that passes the test with flying colors. The standout ingredients are Cardamaro and Starlight Applejack brandy, the latter of which gives Third & Vine’s sazerac a spicy seasonal flavor. Served in an absinthe rinsed glass, and you have the autumn sazerac.
Bonus: Come for the drinks, indulge in the cheese. Third & Vine has an excellent selection of wine and cheeses. Best of all, the staff is extremely knowledgeable and always ready to make a suggestion based on your likes.
South House: Texas Ranger
The Texas Ranger is my favorite drink at South House. It’s sweet and potent, yet deceivingly smooth. It’s the kind of cocktail that tricks you into ordering a second or third round. The cocktail includes Buffalo Trace bourbon, vanilla bean-infused Green Chartreuse, lemon juice, honey syrup, and a mint leaf.
Bonus: Unlike some restaurants which treat their cocktail menu as an afterthought, South House’s cocktail menu boasts an impressive number of successful libations, such as the Purple Haze (Jalapeño-infused Casa Migos Reposada tequila, Chambord, raspberries/blackberries, agave nectar, and lime juice) and the Smoked Old Fashioned (Maple wood smoke, Basil Hyden, Demarara syrup, and dashes of Angostura Bitters).
Have any cocktails you’ve recently tried in downtown Jersey City and liked/recommend? Let us know in the comments below.
