Posted by Lauren Viera
The past few days’ warmer climes are a dead giveaway, but for those who prefer to celebrate by the book: Spring officially begins Sunday.
(If you’re annoyed by the fact that this column so often begins with a reminder as to what holiday or season is on the horizon, apologies. Let it be your constant reminder to drink in season, just as you should eat in season.)
More important than the fact that yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day, or that a certain day this year marks the 244th anniversary of the invention of soda water, the start of spring gives us permission to polish off our brown liquors and move into lighter territory (think gin, tequila, light rum). True, bourbon remains an excellent transitional spirit to be enjoyed in the months warming up to Derby Day in early May, but toasting the equinox deserves a bit more effort.
That said, go out. Yes, this column primarily encourages staying in and trying your hand at drink recipes. This weekend, go out. Yes, in the rain. (It’s part of spring, after all.) Sit somewhere with windows that have the capacity to open up to the elements, even if it’s too cold to do it just yet. Allow yourself to daydream about temperatures that reach into the 60s. No — the 70s. We’re almost there, folks.
This is the cocktail you should drink while you’re waiting: The Soiled Dove at Bangers & Lace (1670 W. Division St., 773.252.6499).
Comprised of silver tequila, dry sherry, agave, lime and grapefruit juice, it’s served in a Collins glass with ice (it’s been a long time since you had a tall drink, no?) and is finished with bitters and black salt. As for that added salt: Don’t let the mention of it conjure images of rock salt-strewn sidewalks. We’re past that now.