2.12.25

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Spring is on the way. How do I know? No, it has nothing to do with ​Punxsutawney Phil. It’s the time of year when bartenders and bar managers start thinking about their spring and summer menus—a light at the end of a snowy tunnel. First, though, we have to make it through Valentine’s Day. While you already probably have a reservation at your favorite dinner spot, consider a stop before or after for a delicious cocktail (or an N/A cocktail) at one of St. Louis’ many incredible bars. Cheers!

ARCH EATS PODCAST

What are the sexiest restaurants in STL?

Looking to turn up the heat this Valentine's Day? Tune in as George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr dish on the area's most romantic spots. Add to your queue on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 🎧 »

🔥 HOT SPOT

New Offerings at an Old Favorite

At longtime South City staple The Royale (3132 S. Kingshighway), bar manager Heather McGhee is creating fun, enigmatic cocktails. For instance, the Bramble Patch Sour incorporates a blend of brown butter–washed and blackberry-infused Switchgrass rye and bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a rosemary simple syrup.

💬 INSIDER TIP

Valentine’s Day Brunch at Good Company

Good Company (4317 Manchester) in The Grove will host its inaugural Valentine’s Day Brunch this Saturday, February 15. The curated menu will entail some classic brunch cocktails with the Good Company team’s trademark flair. Brunch runs from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Haus Alpenz’s Lee Edwards at Randall’s

On February 27 at 6 p.m., Randall’s on The Hill (4925 Southwest) will host Lee Edwards of Haus Alpenz as he walks guests through the intricacies of European aperitifs, digestifs, and everything in between. If you’ve ever wondered where the spritz comes from or why vermouth is the way it is, then this is the perfect class for you. Tickets are $15 plus tax and include a $10 credit toward a purchase after the event. There will also be a cocktail demonstration to welcome guests. Tickets can be purchased here.

A MESSAGE FROM THE TRAINSHED

All of February, fall in love with love at St. Louis’ newest Valentine’s Day pop-up bar

Violet’s, an immersive cocktail pop-up, is emerging at the Train Shed. For the entire month of amour, lovers will find the dramatic mood and specialty cocktails of their dreams at Violet's.

View More »

HOLIDAYS

Intimate St. Louis cocktail spots for Valentine’s Day

Looking to grab a nightcap after a romantic dinner? Here are a few favorite date-night spots for a crafted cocktail.

Read More »

Credit: Heleno Viero / iStock / Getty Images Plus

RECIPE

The Fitzgerald

The Fitzgerald is a modern classic cocktail created by bartending legend Dale Degroff in the early 2000s. Don’t let the simplicity of this libation fool you. (And yes, he named this drink after the famed author.)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1.5 oz. 1220 Origin Gin
• .75 oz. fresh lemon juice
• .75 oz. simple syrup
• 2-4 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Lemon peel

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Add all ingredients except the lemon peel to a shaking tin.
2. Add ice, and shake vigorously until well-chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
3. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass.
4. Garnish with an expressed lemon peel.

SPONSORED CONTENT

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