Meteorologists predict triple-digit temps all weekend long. Where do you plan to beat the heat? Our pick is to grab some pals and cool down at Sub Zero in the Central West End. Now that a year-long construction project is complete, the restaurant’s dining area has increased, the new sushi bar is super spiffy and, best of all for cocktailians, the restaurant has added a second bar – the Market Bar, dedicated to shaking delicious mixed drinks using fresh, seasonal produce and infusions.
For the summer menu, bar manager Dustin Parres and his team behind the stick are featuring made-to-order patio pitchers. Our unanimous vote goes to the Euclid Lemonade (pictured), a bright combination of Pearl Plum Vodka and lemonade, along with handfuls of fresh cucumber, plum and lemon slices. Don’t get suckered this weekend into supporting the sweaty little kids on the street corner selling lukewarm lemonade made from a mix. Euclid Lemonade is the thirst quencher you really want.
Among the other patio pitchers is the nicely mellow Honeydew Cooler, made with Shpilka Vodka, coconut water, honey, crème de banana and club soda. With cubed honeydew and mint leaves, you could call it a spiked fruit salad in a glass. While some might find the copper-toned Hawaiian Tropics too sweet, if you’re dreaming of island paradise, this combo of coconut and pineapple vodkas, coconut water and the juices of pineapple, mango and banana, will bring on thoughts of sinking your toes into the sand.
Vodka is the base spirit for most of the dozen patio pitchers on the menu. But for those who like (or haven’t yet experienced) the Russian grappa-esque spirit called Samogon, consider ordering Russian Spring Punch, a mix of Samogon, fresh lemon and pineapple, and allspice dram.
All patio pitchers are priced at $39 and provide between eight and nine servings. That means you need to bring enough friends so that when the pitcher is empty, you still have the wherewithal to check on the well-being of old people and pets.
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This article appears in June 2012.