Everything you need to make your cocktails sooo Sonoma.
Oh, the wine is so very fine, but Sonoma is also a great place to have a cocktail. Local artisans continue to expand their food and drink wizardry into the mixology realm, and here are some items to inspire some classic cocktail-making. And since the "signature drink" is all the rage, draw from these finds to mix your own creation - click through the gallery for details.
Masterful Muddling: Infusing fresh herbs into your favorite spirit is sooo Sonoma. The teeth on this birchwood muddler will get the juices flowing on fruit or flavorful leaves. Go full mint julep or mojito or mix one of your own inventions. $4, Placewares - The Sea Ranch, 39114 Ocean Dr, Cypress Village, Gualala, 707-884-1184, placewares.com
Modernist Mixing: Mixing a good drink is an art. Give the process an iconic design delivery with this brushed silver cocktail shaker, a 1967 creation by Danish Modern visionary Arne Jacobsen. The production longevity of this piece can be chalked-up to a clean aesthetic and super smooth functionality. A permanent piece for your bar. $179, The Passdoor, 6780 McKinley St #150, Sebastopol, 707-634-0015, thepassdoor.net
Farm to on-the-rocks: This shrub by Little Apple Treats is made with an apple cider vinegar base, a yield from apples grown on their Sebastopol orchard. This versatile mix-in, can be a tartly-sweet addition to a cocktail or even plain soda water for those that don’t care to imbibe. Summer flavors include Raspberry Lemonade and Ginger & Hibiscus. (photo: Anna Schneider) $26 (per 12.7 oz. bottle), Barlow Supply Co., 6770 McKinley St #140, Sebastopol, 707-634-0333
Weighty Work: A strong drink needs a substantial glass, and this textured piece made by Fire and Light in Northern California qualifies. Made from recycled glass and poured by hand to achieve a pebbled look, this heavy glass catches light and your drink beautifully. $26, Skeeter’s Gallery, 626 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-523-1651
Sonoma Staple: Vodka is an essential in so many mixed drinks, and Sonoma Brothers Distilling's vodka is made using a "grain-to-glass" process, wherein the grains are milled, mashed, fermented onsite. The Windsor based distillery sells to its members three times a year and bottles can be found in several Sonoma County stores. Sonoma Brothers Distilling, 7759 Bell Road, Windsor, 707-888-2120, sonomabrothersdistilling.com
Local Limoncellos: Warm days and fresh limoncello are a perfect pairing. Pour a splash of Limoncello di Sonoma in sparking wine or over ice cream or just drink it straight. This tasty liqueur is made by Prohibition Spirits which also concocts an Orangecello and Figcello. Prohibition Spirits Tasting Room, Cornerstone, 23570 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 707-933-7507, prohibition-spirits.com
Oh, the wine is so very fine, but Sonoma is also a great place to have a cocktail. Local artisans continue to expand their food and drink wizardry into the mixology realm, and here are a few items to inspire some classic cocktail-making. And since the “signature drink” is all the rage, draw from these finds to mix your own creation – click through the above gallery for details.
