There's a renaissance in the world of cocktails and I'm all for it.
The cocktail, more specifically what's dubbed a Vintage cocktail (a beverage composed of alcohol [duh], any kind of sugar, water and bitters) was created as a response to the changing times, gaining notoriety during prohibition to cover up the rough and crude taste of bootlegged liquor and that was just the beginning. (Okay, history lesson is over!) Today, with the long standing legalization of alcohol (thank god) this realm of beverages has been re-engineered for a new generation and, at one modern bar in particular, Copa d'Oro.
I've never been a fan of the syrups or juices mixed with hard alcohol, mai tai, appletini, lemon drop... you get the point, the flavors, syrups, fruit juices were always too sweet, orange juice always too bitter and still to this day, just a way to cover up the alcohol. So for the past few years, I've been sticking to my dirty goose martinis - its not sweet and few bartenders get it wrong. But now, at Copa, I'm not sure what my drink of choice is and trust me, that's a good thing.
A much welcomed change from the previous dark, dingy Bar 217, the decor is now dimly lit, classy and calm. Vincenzo, is the man behind the 40+ drink menu and a master in the art of cocktails, instead of covering up the taste of alcohol he articulates flavors that compliment one another, resulting in drinks that are refreshing, unique and delicious. His arsenal of ingredients includes: spices, such as rosemary, thyme, fresh and organic fruits and vegetables from the local farmers market and the use of traditional throwbacks like bitters, coca cola (with real cane sugar, aka Mexican cola). The only problem... figuring out what to order next.
They don't have the standard premium vodkas and tequilas, so no Gray Goose, etc. They do have their own special premium labels. Drinks range from $9-$15. The food is limited to 5 or so sandwiches that I have yet to try.
On weekends its standing room only and yes, expect a line, good for groups of up to 10, 15 is pushing it on the weekdays, happy hour is 5-8pm with $5 drink specials.
Pros: $5 happy hour till 8pm.
Cons: Limited food menu. Can get crowded
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