Caramel Apple Martini
For my first article of 2014 (Happy New Year, Louisville!), I decided to write about a place near and dear to my heart. Obviously, I am a huge fan of the 'ville's food and dessert scene. It's wicked awesome. But as most people in their mid-twenties, I also fervently enjoy having a good time... and I confess, sometimes that does indeed include alcohol.
Birthday Cake Martini: Pinnacle Vanilla Vodka, Amaretto, White Chocolate Liqueur, Creme De Cacao and Cream. Perfect drink for a dessert-lover!
My favorite place to get drinks when I am looking for a classy evening out on the town is without a question 60 West Bistro & Martini Bar. [4] It has innovative drinks that are strong and taste great. Plus, there are pretty sweet deals on $5.00 martini nights! My friends and I like to hit up the chic locale on those evenings especially. It also has deals on wine as well as other tasty bistro eats.
Braved Louisville's crazy monsoon weather with my friends Kinga, Torrence, and Ilona just to get these martinis. That is true love, 60 W.
60 W and I have a magical love story, for we met on my 21st birthday. My brother, sister-in-law, and her sister all surprised me by coming into town on Valentine's Day 2011 (my day of birth, and thus, my excuse for my total adoration of sweets). They took me to this stellar spot for my first legal drink.
My sister-in-law Naomi and me toasting on my 21st birthday!
When our server heard we were celebrating a milestone birthday, the entire table was given complimentary chocolate shots. And I am talking full-on edible chocolate cups filled with sizzle-in-your-soul liqueur that I still remember practically four years later.
Chocolate always makes for a striking first impression.
Speaking of chocolate... Did I mention that 60 W has a martini called Sexual Chocolate that tastes as sinfully delectable as it sounds?
Sexual Chocolate Martini: Pinnacle Vanilla Vodka, White and Dark Chocolate Liqueurs, Irish Cream, and Coffee Liqueur.
Needless to say, that is one of my signature drinks.
Flashback to four years ago: Introducing Kim to the upscale awesomeness of this bar! Can you spy what we are drinking?
The setting also lends itself for a really fun date night.
Marshall and Kim savoring some stand-out martinis.
Bellini Dancer Martini: Pinnacle Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Peach Puree, and Champagne.
But it is also such an ideal spot for just hanging out with friends and loving life.
Torrence says he has never met a girl yet who has not liked the Purple Skittle Martini: Cruzan Strawberry Rum, Triple Sec, Raspberry Liqueur, Sour Mix, Sprite, Fresh Lemon Juice, and Sugar Rimmed. Fruity and fantastic.
Kinga channeling her inner Bond, James Bond girl on a dare from Torrence to try the 007 Martini: 3 Parts Gin, 1 Part Vodka, 1 Part Kina Lillet, and Shaken not Stirred.
I love the variety of options there. I even felt brave enough to try the cucumber martini! And boy was that liquid courage worth it. Who knew cucumber and alcohol were actually bffs?
Freshness Martini: Effin Cucumber Vodka, Sprite, and Fresh Lemon Juice. All parts sensational!
60 W, we love you. You rock. Don't ever change. (But really, we mean it.)
All Photos: Courtesy of Julie Lamb
Cover photo courtesy of 60 West's facebook page [4]