Cocktail Spotlight: The Wife & The Girlfriend at Black Barrel Tavern
Bartenders are the chefs of the beverage world, and those in Chicago have been mixing up some truly delicious cocktails! Just ask Bri McEwen from Black Barrel Tavern {1061 West Madison Street, Chicago; 773.280.5500}. She’s mixing up fun yet accessible cocktails at this West Loop neighborhood spot, using more unique spirits like Deep Eddy Lime Vodka to give her cocktails an extra special twist. We chatted with her about life behind the bar, and even got a recipe for one of her favorite cocktails right now…
DI4W: What do you love most about bartending?
McEwen: I love the environment and getting to meet all different kinds of people everyday! The nightlife is so exciting and always changing.
Describe your process for making the perfect cocktail.
The perfect cocktail is all about finding the right measurements. So if you’re having a bourbon or a whiskey and you want to make it sweeter, knowing what ingredients and measurements have to go into it is key. You don’t want too many bitters, or too much sweetness. It’s finding that balance.
What’s your personal go-to cocktail order?
An espresso martini! Maybe made with a little Deep Eddy Vodka ;)
Tell us the inspiration behind this recipe!
It’s all about being simple but complex at the same time. It’s a little sweet, a little tart, and very refreshing. It is made to be sipped on a summer patio (or to remind you of one in the fall).
The Wife & The Girlfriend Recipe
1/2oz Watermelon Pucker Liqueur
1/2oz Watermelon Juice
Club soda
Watermelon
Combine the vodka and fresh juice over ice in a Collins glass and stir. Top with club soda. Cut watermelon in your preferred slice size and top cocktail with watermelon. Or choose your other favorite summery fruit!