It's beginning to look a lot like cocktails!
I decided to visit Old Town Temecula to partake in the season's greetings. In the mood for burgers and bourbon, I knew just where to go.
Over at PUBlic House, unique bourbon cocktails have been crafted to get you in the spirit of the season. I sat in their cozy backyard patio near the fire pit, to delight in a few of their libations. From the tantalizing menu, I had: Stud of Winterfell, Winter is Coming, and Public Standoff... in this particular order. Each cocktail was different from the other, keeping the Tastebuds on their toes.
Stud of Winterfell
Of the three, Stud of Winterfell is the only cocktail that is shaken—not stirred—giving it a frothy top layer that compliments its flavor profile. The bourbon in this cocktail is infused with Thai Chai (done in-house). If Thai iced tea comes to mind, disregard because it's nothing like it. Now, I must disclose that I am a big fan of tea... even in cocktails. In the mix is lemon juice, honey water, and orange bitters. The drink is finished off with a large ice cube and a sprinkle of lemon and orange zest. The drink is smooth, fresh, and to my sweet surprise, is complete with texture complexity not often found in cocktails. I the love the subtle tea flavor, frothy top and the pulp-like effect from the citrus zest. This was my favorite drink!
Winter is Coming
Of the three, Winter is Coming has a hint of berry flavor. It is garnished with a rosemary sprig and a sweet Luxardo cherry that bursts with fruit juice in your mouth. An excellent combo of the berry and herbatiousness at play. In the mix is pink peppercorn-rosemary and clove simple syrup bitters. The cold season can be boring, but never with this drink in hand. Winter is finally here... I’ll drink to that!
Public Standoff
Of the three, Public Standoff has a very pronounced spirit flavor. If your go-to drink is a classic Old Fashioned then you will enjoy this cocktail. In the mix is Basil Hayden and rosemary-clove simple syrup bitters. The rosemary sprig in the glass is a nice touch that serves more for presentation than for flavor. Due to the spirits power-kick, I wasn't able to taste the rosemary in the same way I did with Winter is Coming. This is a great drink that is straight to the point.
41971 Main St
Temecula, CA 92592
951.676.7305