Leisure

Bar-O-Meter

A Cocktail for Every Weather Scenario

Winter can be a tricky thing in our fair city. Mostly because sometimes it’s winter and sometimes it’s the middle of July. Which is great. Except when you’re trying to decide between a hot toddy and a cold beer. Enclosed, five libations for every weather scenario. Minus maybe tornadoes.

NOT A CLOUD IN THE SKY

Caprese Martini at Czar Ice Bar

The Forecast: Mostly sunny. Highs in the 60s.
The Cocktail: A vodka and fresh-basil martini. The rim is glazed with balsamic vinaigrette and topped with a buffalo mozzarella garnish.
The Reason: The sun reminds you of bathing suit season. And bathing suit season reminds you of drinking salads at an ice bar.

FREEZE WARNING

Hot Apple Pie at Bourbon Bar

The Forecast: A freeze warning has been issued for large portions of the city.
The Cocktail: Small-batch bourbon infused with apple and spices. Also: cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, lemon...
The Reason: Times like these, you’re stuck in limbo. Will it freeze, won’t it freeze. Wait it out over warm apple pie. Liquid version.

THE CLOUDS ARE MOVING IN

Espresso Flip at Octane

The Forecast: Cloudy with steady winds at 10 to 15 mph.
The Cocktail: Espresso vodka shaken with egg white and vanilla syrup.
The Reason: Efficiency. It’s gray outside. You’ll probably crawl back into bed anyway. Best to get your eggs, coffee and vodka all in one vessel. And that vessel is a cocktail glass.

BETTER BRING AN UMBRELLA

Chatham County Line at Cibo E Beve

The Forecast: Isolated thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.
The Cocktail: Housemade pecan-infused whiskey, sourwood honey from Savannah and elderflower liqueur. It’s smoked with hickory, wrapped and sealed.
The Reason: It smokes as you drink it. Which should help with your impending sinuses. Also, keep you out of the rain.

SNOW. MAYBE. A LITTLE BIT.

Warm Feelings at JCT. Kitchen

The Forecast: Snow and ice. Prepare for major travel disruptions.
The Cocktail: A concoction of mezcal, hibiscus liqueur and aromatics. That’s topped off with an amber beer.
The Reason: You’re chilled to the bone. Think of the mezcal like a person defroster. Think of the beer like... whatever. You know how to think of beer.