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TOAST OF THE TOWN
TO CELEBRATE THE START OF BASKETBALL SEASON, WE ASKED SOME ACCLAIMED NEW YORK CITY BARTENDERS TO CREATE COCKTAILS INSPIRED BY NBA TEAMS. HERE'S WHAT THEY CAME UP WITH
LEGENDS OF THE FALL
SHAWN CHEN, REDFARM
INGREDIENTS: Chamomile tea infused with New Riff Bourbon, dry apple cider, maple syrup
INSPIRATION: It's understated and smooth—somewhat like Toronto's star duo of Kyle Lowry and offseason acquisition Kawhi Leonard. Naturally, it also features a touch of maple syrup, because ... Canada!
GREEN CHI
SHAWN CHEN, REDFARM
INGREDIENTS: Slane Irish whiskey, Crème Yvette, Berry 5-Hour Energy, cold green tea, Coca-Cola
INSPIRATION: This cocktail is built in a shaking tin, where all the elements mix—a testament to cohesion over individuality, just like the Celtics. Beware: Danny Ainge might trade a key ingredient for future ingredients that may turn out to be tasty one day.
ROYAL COURT
JEFF BELL, PDT
INGREDIENTS: Bertoux Brandy, lemon juice, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, simple syrup, Miracle Mile Yuzu Bitters, Moët Impérial champagne
INSPIRATION: In honor of LeBron, this royale (a champagne-topped cocktail) is made with L.A.'s own Miracle Mile bitters and Italicus liqueur, which was once the spirit of choice for Italian kings.
A BITTER KNICK
JOSEPH BOROSKI, THE 18TH ROOM
INGREDIENTS: Sombra Mezcal, freshly squeezed strained pink grapefruit juice, Campari
INSPIRATION: Served in a chilled old-fashioned glass and garnished with a grapefruit peel, this cocktail is slightly smoky and bitter, like every Knicks fan you know. Try pairing it with something sweeter, like—anything.
GOLDEN STATE OF MIND
JEFF BELL, PDT
INGREDIENTS: Bertoux Brandy, lemon juice, St. George Spiced Pear liqueur, honey syrup, Fever-Tree ginger beer
INSPIRATION: This drink—anchored by Fresno County's Bertoux—is shaken with ice, strained into a chilled Collins glass and served colder than the relationship between Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.
PROCESS PUNCH
NICK BENNETT, PORCHLIGHT
INGREDIENTS: Plantation Double Aged Rum, Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy, St. George Raspberry Brandy, lemon sherbet, iced tea, lemon oleo saccharum
INSPIRATION: Have patience and trust the process. The lemon oleo saccharum sits overnight in a jar. Shake everything in a Nitro Whip and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
