Simplicity is key for these three Ration & Dram cocktails

The Kirkwood watering hole proves complicated ingredients aren’t requried for sophisticated drinks
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Photograph by Andrew Thomas Lee

Andy Minchow may be reserved and soft-spoken, but you wouldn’t know it from drinking his assertive cocktails. A former founding partner at Holeman and Finch Public House, Minchow now oversees the cocktail program at his own place, Ration & Dram in Kirkwood, next to the Arizona Lofts. Minchow says simplicity drives the menus: “At Holeman we used a lot of bitters and syrups, but here we want to make cocktails that people can make at home,” he says. “Are people really going to make lavender syrup on their own?” As these three potions below prove, that simplicity translates to approachability in the glass, but never at the cost of sophistication and intrigue. 130 Arizona Avenue, 678-974-8380

Pictured from left to right:

The Shallow Grave
An aromatic all-booze reviver of Chattanooga Whiskey, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, Bigallet China China orange liqueur, and Cappelletti Aperitivo Americano Rosso. Afterward, call a taxi.

Troy’s Bucket
For the spice-obsessed. A fusion of orange and pineapple juices, Galliano, and Brazilian rum Ypioca Cachaça with a daring degree of jalapeños.

White Picket Fence
A beguiling summer sipper of Bluecoat Gin, fresh lemon juice, Crispin Hard Cider, and a dash of Galliano, whose herbal sweetness lingers on the palate. Looks as innocent as lemonade.

This article originally appeared in our July 2014 issue under the headline “Simple Solutions.”

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