I have never turned down a good cocktail. Or even a mediocre one. So, when Mary’s Pizza Shack announced that it recently sold its 10,000th Pomegranate Martini my Happy Hour alarm went off. Ding.
Mary’s (you may be surprised to find out) has two full-bar Shacks in SoCo–Rohnert Park and Sonoma. As in more than just beer and wine with your pizza.
So, in the name of research, we headed to Rohnert Park and promptly ordered several of their signature “Shacktinis”.
The flagship and top-seller is the Pomegranate Martini, made with Ketel One vodka, lemon and lime juice, pomegranate syrup and a splash of Gloria Ferrer champagne. Folks in the town of Sonoma seem to love them, having quaffed 10,000-plus in two years. They’ve also bestowed several awards on the ‘tini at their annual Martini Madness Festival. Remind me to visit there more often.
I can see the attraction. Though oddly pale (a light yellow, rather than the dark pink you might expect from a pomegranate cocktail), drink-wise, the Pom-tini isn’t bad. I’ve had better. I’ve had worse. It ranks somewhere in the middle, though it’s sheer stopping power is laudable. Drink two and you’ll be on the floor.
Along with the Pomegranate are several other Shacktinis, including the Washington Apple (made with Crown Royal, Apple Pucker and cranberry) and the Metropolitini (made with Ketel One, Cointreau, black currant syrup and champagne).
Yes, they’re all a bit sweet. And entirely girly. And $7.50 each. But having a stiff cocktail with your meatball sandwich and extra-large pepperoni**? Priceless.
Mary’s Pizza Shack, 101 Golf Course Dr, Rohnert Park, 707.585.3500
*Mr. BiteClub thinks it is ridiculous to call anything other than gin and dry vermouth a martini. However, if it is served in a martini glass, he will usually drink it. Begrudgingly. I however, have no such hang-ups.
**Good eats, or martini haze? The gorgonzola gnocchi was really good. Especially warmed up at 3am.
Got a tip, or just want to talk food? Email me at biteclub@pressdemo.com