A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg
Burgers and beer are a classic pairing for good reason, but even if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous in your glass, American Ale (14 E. Cota St.) is a great place for drinks.
The name alone was enough to sell me on the Hummingbird Feeder. Made with De Luze Alfred Cognac, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Cointreau Noir, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Cherry Heering, Orange Bitters and Orange Zest, this sweet yet sophisticated concoction is the perfect treat to get your buzz on.
Also worth trying is the Cat Daddy’s Daiquiri, made with CatDaddy Carolina Moonshine, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Fresh Ruby Grapefruit and Fresh Lime Juice. Delicious and refreshing!
The Mary Pickford is another equally fun libation. Made with Montanya Platino Colorado Rum, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Fresh Pineapple Juice, Trader Vic’s Grenadine and Peychaud’s Bitters, this cocktail’s so tasty it’s hard to stay silent about it.
On the slightly more traditional side, American Ale offers The Original Sazerac, a nod to the famous Trader Vic’s with the Trader Victoriaia, The Very Old Fashioned, The Manhattan, Tennessee Sweet Tea (made with Everclear!), an American Mule, a Luxardo Cognac Old Fashioned and a minty fresh Kentucky Derby Julep.
There’s no shortage of fresh ingredients at the bar at American Ale. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Ale/172053636278700
This is all in addition to a yummy menu of signature burgers (all fresh ground), like the amazing and decadent Make’N Bacon Burger (with maple bacon jam, bacon, Italian Bacon, Canadian Bacon and American cheese) and the awesomely adventurous PB & J Burger (with crispy bacon, chunky peanut butter and grape jelly). American Ale also has healthier fare like an Argula Chicken Burger and a Lentil Burger, as well as a great Chopped Ice House Salad and a few different soups.
Some tasty moonshine from American Ale, photo by Leslie Dinaberg
In addition to the vintage cocktails, American Ale has a variety of moonshine offerings, as well as a rotating assortment of 24 American craft beers and ciders on draft. For example, on the taps at press time are: Allagash Odyssey, a dark wheat, wood-aged beer from Portland, ME; Stone IPA, Stone Reason Be Damned Abbey Ale Aged In Red Wine Barrels, Stone Unapologetic IPA and the big, boozy Arrogant Bastard Ale, from Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido; Avery Ellie’s Brown Ale from Boulder, CO; Ballast Point Sculpin IPA from San Diego; the fruity and flavorful Figueroa Mountain – Lizards Mouth, the big dark Figueroa Mountain Grendel and the Figueroa Mountain Saison from right here in Buellton.
Other nearly local selections are the Firestone Walker 805 Blonde Ale and Firestone Walker Agrestic American Wild Red Sour out of Paso Robles.
In addition, American Ale now offers: Fox Barrel Blackberry Pear , a fruit cider from Colfax, CA; Great Divide Oatmeal Yeti Imperial Stout from Denver, CO; another local beer, Island King Tide , and imperial IPA from Island Brewing Company in Carpinteria; Knee Deep Hopotoligist IPA from Knee Deep Brewing in Lincoln, CA; Lightning Thunderweizen a Weizen/Weissbier out of Poway; and the Belgian dark strong ale Lost Abbey Cuvee De Tomme from San Marcos, CA.
Also on tap are: Modern Times Black House , an oatmeal stout made in San Diego; Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale from Lyons, CO; Port Mongo IPA from San Marcos, CA; Saint Archer White Ale out of San Diego; and Strand Beach House Amber straight outa Torrance!
Cheers!
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Leslie Dinaberg
When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”
Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 12, 2014.
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