With the heavy rains a distant memory and temperatures rising in Cleveland, I am seriously starting to crave some patio time and light, summer cocktails on my favorite restaurant patios.
What area restaurant has your favorite patio?
Speaking of summer cocktails, recently a handful of bloggers were invited to a private tasting of a new product on the market --
Crav Spirits.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYsQqpAO4g2c9a5Ve3yflaKoQuzd-gbofiZ_ZFcH3LcimbWZ3hn8oVvJ1idS2VDOcduzE3bo3OfTkYY-6TEzz_f9FrbJsdewNxS-L6KJ4SkPWfIDw69jLrR3FN_Jc7RHAIc3kLzu0JWM/s320/CIMG3403.JPG)
Clevelander Tom Rini has created a smooth, boutique vodka that he is quite proud of, and frankly he should be in my opinion. "
Made in Sun Valley, Idaho, by Distilled Resources, Inc., Crav is crafted in small batches, not massed produced, lending to its top-shelf status. It is made from winter wheat and ultra pure water, and distilled once using a four column continuous system." We were given a sample to taste without the mixers, and when I buried my nose in the shot glass twice- I still couldn't smell the typical "alcohol burn" that I am used to vodka giving off. I slowly sipped it, and was surprised at how smooth it was.
But, I do have to admit that I preferred it paired with the light, summery mixes that Pier W's bartender created for us. First up was a
Raspberry Lime Crav Sensation with Crav Vodka, Fresh Lemonade, Lime Juice, Raspberry Infused Syrup, and a Mint Sprig. Pure, sweet, refreshing deliciousness! This drink reminded me of one of my summer favorites- lemonade and flavored vodka.
What's your favorite light, summer drink?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKjCtTPyH_5a0CTs_dYk0VzR9-Luupf-4hNCPKJvD0w-9OXXOoSOr-1F5hWloDtZYs4z52lqjdzIL8G7hSEdJA8SqNM48tu0es7OVopoTroa5p4is42oQbJmL3jog27Xt3Rs8L3T6dnI/s320/CIMG3407.JPG)
Then I tried the second concoction- the
Craving Ginger Rogers with Crav Vodka, Ginger and Orange Blossom Infused Syrup, Prosecco, and a Twist of Lime. Again, the cocktail was light and pleasing. Both helped me welcome in the summer season, and the vodka was untraceable to my palate. Just how I like it!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgStbvsUTmTz4ZTtoVR3Ic9ij9vzoo3Gk7IYK8Ac2d9XTZmMmohOGfjN_2ZytPl1H-hTkGHMmqba-gzP7qRSJuhjyqd5FNgJoJSprn0F0JcQNzAQa4Z9fMuI_B3mCOcKAoiZ-RwGt5Ag/s320/CIMG3408.JPG)
This product only JUST became available on the market (
for special order) on June 1st! But several local restaurants and bars have already picked up the vodka, and will be serving it starting this month.
Here is just a "taste" (pun intended) of these restaurants/bars: Bier Market, Blind Pig, Clevelander, Dante, Dragonfly, Fahrenheit, Flying Monkey, Happy Dog, Lolita, Market, Southside, Sushi Rock, and The Garage Bar...but there are more. For a seriously smooth vodka, ask for Crav.
Thank you to Tom Rini of Crav Spirits, and Pier W for hosting us and supplying tasty, complimentary cocktails and small plates as we sampled the Crav product.
4 comments:
Both cocktails sound great. Are they only available at Pier W?
They were prepared for our event by the Pier W bartender not the brand, but should be available there since Pier W is one of the restaurants carrying the product. Enjoy!
sad i missed this event! those cocktails sound amazing right about now (at 10am on a Friday..no judging ;))
We missed you, Alana! And no judgement here. I'm already dreaming of after work cocktails as well.
Post a Comment