The Perfect Summer Cock[tail]

Last week, Bryce and I had the distinguished honor of dining at cozy East Village eatery Belcourt. While authentic, in-house ingredients made for a splendid meal, the cocktails that punctuated my dinner are what really had my head spinning (and I mean that quite literally).

While mixing liquor is either the mark of an amateur or an expert, I sampled three intoxicating drinks from their cocktail menu. In the name of journalism, of course. I’m pleased to report that each enchanting beverage was worthy of a gold medal in any boozehounds’ book.

The Moscow Mule was my first pick, as I had previously designated the drink as my Sunday Funday cocktail of choice. The blend of Tito’s vodka, fresh ginger, and fresh lime juice was much more refreshing than the drinks served up at the holes I usually frequent. In fact, Belcourt sort of ruined the image of the Moscow Mule I had adapted: well vodka and lime juice from a hose. Since both the ginger and lime were homegrown on site, the unique taste and overall freshness of the drink was magnified exponentially.

Next, I tried the Sneaky Pete, because any drink with sneaky in the title sounds like something I might enjoy. A blend of Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, pineapple, and mint; the Sneaky Pete was a smorgasbord of flavor. I found out right away that the cocktail was appropriately named: the taste of tequila was present, but subtle enough that after a few seemingly innocent drinks, you may end up drunk in a dumpster somewhere with no idea how you got there. Which is right up my alley.

And last, but definitely not least: Belcourt’s signature summer drink: the Iced Tea Italiano. Equal parts invigorating and potent, the fusion of Melletti Amore, fresh lime juice, and sparkling wine is an excellent summer blend appropriate for most times of day and cosmopolitan enough for even the most finicky of drinkers. Give it a whirl alfresco– Belcourt provides outdoor seating for all of your sunning and people-watching needs.

If you’re like me and get the urge to pig out after a couple of drinks, check out Belcourt’s Oyster Hour. Every weekday from 4 PM-7PM, indulge yourself with 1/2 off of select cocktails and a great Oyster menu (which also includes a lamb or beef burger, grilled mushroom pizza, and various cheese plates in case you’re not into seafood). Take it from me, though: Chef Matt Hamilton, former sous chef at Prune, has a way with sea urchins– the grilled Spanish octopus was amazing.

Belcourt is located at 84 E. 4th Street and 2nd Avenue in the heart of the East Village. Cheers!