The Best Drinks You’ve Never Had

SUNDAY, JULY 25

Matt Johnson, Feedback Lounge’s master drink craftsman, is raising the bar (no pun intended) with a new series of infused cocktails. Matty went to the farmer’s market and bought a bushel of fresh strawberries (he shoved a few down his yap while the clerk wasn’t looking, just to ensure quality and taste ratio), washed ‘em in water that came from Mt. Olympus, loaded ‘em up in big air-tight jars and bathed the precious fruit in a variety of liquors. Out of this he’ll make flavor-rich drinks that will get you all giddy and/or life-fulfilled.

And that’s just for starters. Sunday, August 1st, Matt’s doing it again, this time with blueberries so plump, you’d think they were purple hot dogs. With fruit so abundant at the market right now, expect more extreme infusions, like cherries, pineapples and coconuts. (OK, maybe not that last one as the shell is kinda bitter.)

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Matt’s not the only one with drink-making skillz. We asked the stunningly lovely ladies of Feedback to each create a “Girls of Summer” cocktail, each representing their own personalities and sense of deliciousness. Every Wednesday you can come in and try any one (or more) of five new cocktails designed by Gia, Kassie, Nell, Leslie and Allison. Here’s what they made especially for YOU…

Gia’s cocktail (debuting July 28)
IN THE GARDEN
Ingredients: Gin, Tomato, Celery Syrup, Cucumber

Kassie’s cocktail (debuting August 4):
GREECE IS THE WORD
Ingredients: Ouzo, St. Germain Elderflower, Lime

Allison’s cocktail (debuting August 11):
CARCIOFO
Ingredients: Gin, Cynar, Lemon, Grapefruit Bitters

Leslie’s cocktail (debuting August 18):
LIL’ DOBBIE
Ingredients: Cachaca, Falernum, Apricot Shrub, Lemon, Aperol

Nell’s cocktail (debuting August 25):
BACON MARY
Ingredients: Housemade Bacon and Roasted Garlic-infused Vodka, Tomato Juice, Olives, Fresh Horseradish, Spices

Exciting. Refreshing. Daring. Like skinny dipping in a public pool or hanging out with Lady Gaga. The other best part: the drinks are only $6 – a downtown drink for a West Seattle price. These kickers are being served every Wednesday, but you may get the ladies to whip one up for you on any of the other days that aren’t Wednesday, whatever those are.

Is It H.O.T., or Is It Just me?

My LAND and gravy! I haven’t felt this hot since I last watched a Guns ’N Roses video! The glowing orb up in the sky, beating down rays of goodness, makes me stop and think…WOW! I need a frosty cool beverage! And where does my little freshly-painted twinkley toes take me? Why, to the Feedback Lounge of course! Even though I grew up in the trailer, with all the vodka and grape Kool-aid I could drink, I have been turned to the side of Mr. OMJ’s cocktails! Drinks that make your mouth go “Ummmm — yes, maam, may I have another?”

As I mow my lawn just before dusk, I think of the St. Basil. In the words of my husband, one-famous Mr. Jones, this drink is like “mowing the lawn with your mouth open!” And YES, that is a compliment! As I lay my head down for an early evening nappers, I pop right back up with the thought, “My Lord, I haven’t had a Honeybush today! No wonder I’m getting sleepy!” My day wouldn’t be fullfilled without a tasty Honeybush!

So, take it from me – whether you love to chug-a-lug a frosty bottle of Bud as I do, or if you like to just hug and caress the keg of Manny’s, or if you dream of going to the place where St. Germaine is drank like water, then you need to join me for a cool one down at the ’ol FBL! See you there! I’ll be the one with the tube-top-romper and flip flops, with my trusty Jazzercise sunglasses on!!!

Catch’ya later!
Bradi Jones
Feedback Lounge, GM