John Cavallaro, the man in charge of all things alcoholic at Della Femina, has wisely resisted the current fad of adding ingredients that often read better than they taste, or that confuse the palate. By paring the cocktails down to fundamentals and getting the proportions right, Cavallaro manages to boost the taste—and focus the spotlight on undistracted flavor.
I reviewed the specialty cocktail menu with Cavallaro a few days ago, and it left me impressed—and thirsty. Here are a few popular ones that tempt me:
Ultimate Lemon Drop. Belvedere Lemon vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, with a sugared rim. Sounds simple but the undisclosed information is finding the delicate balance of tart and sweet.
Pick Me Up. Zygo Herbal peach vodka, fresh iced tea, lemon juice, simple syrup. An original concoction.
Pisca Sour. Barsol Acholado Peruvian Pisco, lime juice, egg white and bitters.
Sofia Agave Margarita. Partida Silver tequila, lime juice, agave nectar. A refreshing departure from the standard Margarita.
Bee’s Knees. Aviation Dutch style gin, clover honey syrup, lemon juice.
Since they are open seven days a week, you never need to feel dehydrated at cocktail time.
Della Femina Restaurant, 99 North Main Street, East Hampton.