Mike's Mix: 6Smith
Every week, Mike Augustyniak picks up a new cocktail recipe from a local mixologist. This week, he headed over to Lake Minnetonka's 6Smith, who make their infusions and syrups from scratch.
Blackberry Smash
- 3 muddled blackberries
- 2oz Maker's Mark 46
- ¾ oz demerara simple syrup*
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin with ice, and shake briefly. Serve on the rocks in a highball glass. Garnish with mint leaves.
To make demerara simple syrup: Bring equal parts water and demerara sugar to a boil in a saucepan. Cool, and use.
Tequila Mockingbird
- 2oz Cazadores blanco tequila
- ½ oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- ¾ oz lavender-infused honey simple syrup*
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- Dash of Bolivar bitters
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice; shake, and serve straight up in a cocktail glass
To make lavender honey simple syrup: Bring equal parts of honey and water to a boil in saucepan, along with a little dried lavender. Cool, and use.
Taste Test
The Blackberry Smash has a light, refreshing, mild flavor that's perfect for summer or for non-bourbon lovers, despite the Maker's Mark bourbon base.
It has more body than the Tequila Mockingbird, which is a sweet and light 'patio pounder' that goes down easily. Making the lavender-infused simple syrup takes less than 20 minutes to make, and is a simple way to impress your palate and your guests!
About 6Smith: Lake Minnetonka's largest restaurant also features the only rooftop patio in the west metro.
You'll find a focused selection of small batch, handcrafted vodka, gin, whiskey, bourbon, rum and scotch -- along with micro-brewed beers and small production wines from family-owned wineries.