When I Met An Elf

When I met an Elf at Austin's Annies Cafe and Bar, 319 Congress Street

Katherine is a self-described "Elf" bartender whose origins are Ulster; another thing we have in common - besides being mixologists, is that our families hail from Ulster and also hail from Massachusetts.

I met Katherine at Annies Cafe and Bar during a recent visit. This Elf had, like those in Eire, pot(s) of "gold". Our conversation started off when I made the observation - I was surprised to observe St. Germaine spirit in the bar's "well". That led to an extensive conversation on mixing and her Blushing Flamingo cocktail concoction.


Blushing Flamingo
       Watermelon infused vodka
       St. Germaine
       topped with Champagne

During our long lunch of superb farmer's market salad with chicken, and wine at this celebrated spot, Katherine the Elf kept introducing us to new concoctions. The samples would  appear in front of us on the zinc lined counter ... an apple liquer, blackberry liquer, watermelon infused vodka, Averna Amaro Sicialiane. All of these while she expertly catered to the other patrons, there for the happy hour that started at 3:00 PM. (Love Austin!)

I was very interested to learn of her opinion on rye whiskey. She too uses Old Overholt. She explained rye whiskey is such a subtle flavor it is overpowered in cocktails and infusions. So what's the purpose in using more expensive rye in a cocktail? Save it for sipping.

Katherine's last bit of advice for us on the topic of music was to go next door to the Elephant Room for jazz. This recommendation was repeated by others during our stay.

         Tip - by Katherine at Annie's, no cell phones at the bar! "its a corporate world ... they need to find a place to go to".