DTLA: New Fall Cocktails at Drago Centro

 

Drago Centro launched their new Fall cocktails a few weeks ago. It seems like just yesterday that I was enjoying the Spring/Summer cocktails. With Sommelier and Beverage Director Michael Shearin moving on to his new post at Young’s Market, Jaymee Mandeville has been promoted from head bartender to bar manager. However, this cocktail menu is born out of their collaborative efforts and Michael said he can still be found at Drago occasionally.

I started with the Song of the Siren (Appleton VX rum, Cruzan blackstrap rum, Amaro Cio Ciaro, Velvet Falernum, Apry, Fees Brothers sour cherry bitters, lime) a subtle nod to tiki drinks. As TreasureLA said, “it’s a better version” than he’s used to. I tasted his friend’s White After Labor Day (Nolet’s gin, Green Chartreuse, lemon, lavender water, egg white, Fernet Branca mist) and really liked this cocktail.

While I like bananas, this Organized Konfusion (Tanteo infused chocolate tequila, fresh banana, fresh lime, espelette pepper) was not my cup of tea.

Word on the street is Templeton doesn’t want to be in the LA market because they produce a limited quantity of rye. However, a few places around town have it. Wink and wink. If you’re lucky, you may find this particular rye in your Lushington (rye, quince gastrique, egg white, 25 year aged balsamic). This was a very nuanced drink with the aged balsamic taking the place of the usual acid in an sour cocktail.

 

If you can’t get to my fireplace crawl, then have a sip of the Scottish Cashmere (Highland Park 12 Year Scotch, fig and basil infused water, single ice cube).  It’ll warm you right up.

I can’t wait to explore the other cocktails on the list. In particular A Penny’s Worth and No Place Like Home sound like my kind of cocktails.

 

Drago Centro

525 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 – (213) 228-8998