W H AT WE’RE EATING NEWS FROM OUR RESTAURANT COMMUNITY, PLUS A DISH WE LOVE
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is the season to eat, drink and be merry – and you can accomplish all three in one visit to The Carolina Inn (though, really, you’ll want to come visit throughout the holidays). Belly up to the bar at Crossroads Chapel Hill and whet your whistle with any of the drinks in this wintery cocktail trio, crafted by the masterful bar supervisor Kiyarash Saghaey: PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
• Under the Mistletoe
“This is our take on a mint chocolate martini,” says Director of Food and Beverage Ramon Jimenez. You’ve got your vodka, chocolate liqueur and mint liqueur, and it’s garnished with shaved chocolate, mint and cranberry, plus a rim of freshly ground chocolate. It tastes just like mint chocolate chip ice cream, so if you’re a big dessert lover, this is the drink for you.
These cocktails, which will stay on the menu through New Year’s Eve, are designed CROSSROADS CHAPEL HILL rum, zinfandel port, egg whites and simple to align with the festive holiday touches AT THE CAROLINA INN syrup, and garnished with nutmeg and a for which The Carolina Inn is renowned. 211 Pittsboro St., Chapel Hill cinnamon stick, this eggnog packs a flavorful “We’re using these holiday flavors to tie in 919-918-2777 carolinainn.com/ punch. The drink may be chilled, but you’ll feel with our numerous events that we do on crossroadschapelhill the warmth running through your body all the the property,” Ramon says. “You’ll be able way to your toes after that first sip. to get one of these cocktails before going over to see Santa at one of the brunches that • Christmas Mimosa “Call it a Christmosa,” we have, or you can just enjoy it here at the Ramon says, laughing. “We’re still playing with the name.” No matter bar.” (Turn the page to find more information about all the events what they end up calling it, all you need to know is that it is a celebration that the inn hosts this year!) in a glass. The prosecco is La Marca – one of my all-time faves – with the “We also have outdoor seating, and these can easily be enjoyed addition of a deep garnet housemade grenadine. It’s garnished with a by the fire pit,” Ramon adds. Wherever you choose to imbibe these fresh rosemary sprig and a cranberry. Pro tip: After taking a whiff of the spirited sips, they are sure to bring you plenty of holiday cheer! rosemary, use it to stir up the grenadine that’s at the bottom of the glass. – by Amanda MacLaren • Snow on the Hill Made with Zacapa aged
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chapelhillmagazine.com
December 2021