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Week 13: Tradewinds at Smuggler's Cove

Lemon, coconut cream, apricot liqueur, dark Jamaican rum, silver Demerara rum.

Smuggler's Cove is an oasis hidden behind tinted windows on a consistently traffic-filled portion of Gough street.  Once through the front door, customers will find themselves transported to a tiki haven.  Their menu includes countless cocktails from bygone eras and exotic regions of the world.  Every time I order a cocktail at Smuggler's Cove, it's hard not to smile as I'm presented with an art-like masterpiece complete with an umbrella, orchids, or even a flaming inferno (depending on the drink). This week's cocktail, the Tradewinds, is a superb blend of tropical flavors completing the vacation-like experience one can expect at Smuggler's Cove.  Closing my tab felt like checking out of a resort while on vacation; I knew my vacation was over and the realities of life awaited me.

Week 12: Cablegram at Nihon Whiskey Lounge

Yamazaki 12-year single malt, Stirrings Ginger Liqueur, bitters, fresh ginger and lemon

My friends and I have been planning on going to Nihon Whiskey Lounge for a long time.  We finally were able to coordinate our schedules and enjoy their vast cocktail and whiskey lists.  The Cablegram is a delicious cocktail, by far the favorite amongst the group that evening.  The amount of ginger from the Stirrings was just right and worked well with the Yamazaki.  I think a lot of people not familiar with whiskey often shy away from trying whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails because they are intimidated by the liquor.  The Cablegram is a perfect introduction for the weary because it highlights the flavors of whiskey while adding subtle sweetness and a smooth finish.