Cocktail of the Month: Coco Piñ​a Scotch Cocktail

This month we're sharing one of the newest seasonal cocktails at our favorite D.C. rooftop bar, POV Lounge at the W Hotel (515 15th Street NW).  Crafted by senior bartender Tracy Javier, this cocktail is delicious and obsession-worthy.  The main ingredient is coconut-infused scotch (whisky made in Scotland), which is impossible to find on the shelves in your local liquor store. So how is the scotch infused with coconut? 

Coconut oil is infused in the Scotch through a process called fat-washing.  Fat-washing is when a liquid (in this case coconut oil) is added to a spirit (scotch) at room temperature.  First, the spirit sits at room temperature for a few hours. Then its placed in the refrigerator or freezer until the fat hardens and can be skimmed off the top.  Sounds easy enough, right?  Sure does. Now introducing, the Coco Piña Scotch Cocktail: 

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz coconut infused Scotch
• 1.5 oz pineapple juice
• .5 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 cherry & 1 lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients. Then shake and strain over a freshly iced Collins glass.

Photo Credit: Marissa Millet

While there's a little more work and time involved in this cocktail, it's the perfect way to impress your guests with your cocktail knowledge and encourage them to try something out of their comfort zone.  Happy drinking!

Cocktail of the Month: Spiked Strawberry Beer Lemonade

Nothing says "Spring is here!" like a nice, refreshing, thirst-quenching cocktail. Strawberry cocktails are good any day of the week in my book, so this month I am bringing you a recipe for a cocktail that both men or women would enjoy: Spiked Strawberry Beer Lemonade.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (from about 2 large lemons)
• 1 cup cold water
• 2 bottles (12 ounces each) blonde or pale ale
• 6 oz. vodka
• Frozen strawberries, for chilling

Instructions: 

1. Add the berries, sugar, lemon juice, water, and vodka to a pitcher.
2. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve.
3. Add the beer and frozen strawberries (instead of ice) and stir gently to combine.
4. Add additional lemon juice or sugar to taste and use leftover strawberries to garnish.

Sounds delicious, right? Drink up!