Two mixologists have evolved to a new and higher bar experience plane. San Diego bar menu planners and “essence” creators will create sprays to use in the cocktail as well as a “sampler” sprayed on a small bottle shaped paper that is placed on the side of the cocktail as a garnish.
How do I know this? Dining at La Jolla’s new Herringbone, my favorite date asked me what was the piece of paper on the side of her Hemingway Daiquiri. I approached the bar and between the bartender and Matt, our waiter, I was given this demonstration of the concoction developed by the San Diego Snake Oil cocktail developers. For the opening of the restaurant, Snake Oil created the drinks and the sprays. The waiter sprays the mini liquor bottle shaped paper with the Snake Oil created essence. In this case it was Oceanic.
The bar and the menu listed the spray essences – Wood, Floral, Oriental, Oceanic and Musk. Interesting! An appeal to their website disclosed the essences are not for sale, but they hoped I enjoyed the experience.
Shared with the reader is the Tokyo Love Hotel cocktail from Herringbone of La Jolla.
Sweet tea vodka
Agave
Pressed lemon
“Floral” essence (hints of lavender, St Germaine, honey eau de toilet)
Pair this with the <<Chef Amanda’s>> appetizer “Bluefin Tuna Crudo 'Rod and Reel'".
