Taste CHEERS
BERRIES & BUBBLES Ocean Prime’s smokin’ sipper
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY ELIZABETH BARRY
Ocean Prime is most often lauded for seafood and steaks. But, as it turns out, just as much work goes into their libations menu as their main. “Most people don’t realize we juice all of our own fruit in-house as well as make all of our own tonics, syrups and even sours by hand each day,” says Thomas Whitman, Ocean Prime Phoenix’s beverage manager, noting they also encourage their staff to play around and experiment with new ideas and flavor combinations. “Ocean Prime has also implemented an associate beverage program, where team members compete to get their cocktails featured nationwide.” Ocean Prime’s best-selling cocktail – Berries & Bubbles ($14) – has served as inspiration for dozens of new ideas for a decade. The drink starts with housemade sour, which is combined with Belvedere Citrus Vodka, a crisp, aromatic spirit made by actually soaking fruit into the vodka. Whitman then adds creme de cassis. “Many people add Chambord to drinks like this, which balances the sour with its sweetness, but cassis gives guests something a little different and unexpected,” says Whitman, noting that cassis is sweet, yet laced with notes of luscious black currants. Whitman then brings the shaker to the guest’s table, along with a martini glass that contains dry ice and Grand Marniermarinated blackberries, as well as a side of Domaine Chandon Brut. “We shake the mixture in front of guests and then pour it over the dry ice, creating a smoke show,” Whitman says. “We top it off with Chandon for effervescence.” Ocean Prime, 5455 E. High St., Suite 115, Phoenix; 480.347.1313; www.oceanprime.com.
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