Cocktails for a Cause, Not Just 'Cos
Bombay Sapphire Bramble
Photo courtesy of Thrillist.
Honestly, if Thrillist invited me to sling back cocktails and feast on sliders with them just because, I’d have gone. But knowing that proceeds of my enjoyment were going toward City Harvest, a non-profit that feeds New Yorkers facing hunger, made Cocktails for A Cause all the more enjoyable.
Last Thursday, readers, boozehounds and do-gooders came together at The Standard High Line to enjoy cocktails featuring Bombay Sapphire, Bacardí, and Grey Goose. Bacardí made a $5,000 donation toward City Harvest, and Thrillist donated $5 every time someone tweeted #SipForACause. Lovely, right? But how were the actual cocktails?
Bacardi Old Fashioned
I’m happy to say, simple, clean and delicious. I’ve been to a few events sponsored by Sapphire in the last few months, and it’s always interesting to see what people do with a classic brand. In this case, the Bombay Sapphire Bramble was a lot less fruity than I’d predicted. Sapphire’s London Dry, juniper-forward taste was very present, with no simple syrup to hide behind. Instead, a touch of berry liqueur, lemon juice, and actual fruit made this drink berry-sweet but devoid of syrup and the typical lemonade flavor that accompanies a sugary gin cocktail.
Frankly, I expected to hate the Grey Goose Martini. I like vodka (seriously, I do), but not in my Martinis. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the touch of orange bitters and lemon zest. This drink acted as a nice palate cleanser before…
…The Bacardí 8 Old Fashioned! I love that rum is making a mainstream resurgence in cocktails other than tiki drinks. Traditional but for the rum, the Bacardí 8 Old Fashioned called for a splash of water, sugar, orange zest, and good ol’ Angostura bitters. Like a quality bourbon, Bacardí 8 delivered nice balance of smoke and warmer flavors like vanilla and caramel.
Weren’t able to attend the event? Fear not. You can grab these drinks at an extensive list of NYC bars and restaurants and support City Harvest along the way. Cocktail for a Cause launches on Monday, March 23rd, and will run until the 30th.
Drink up!