Four Cutting-Edge Cocktails

Four Cutting-Edge Cocktails

This summer, there's another reason to make plans to meet friends at the Belmont on Thursday nights: Daily Juice After Dark. Daily Juice owner and juice-maker extraordinaire Matt Shook has partnered with the Belmont to feature his fresh-squeezed juice cocktails on the patio every Thursday night in July, from 8pm to 12mid. What's so special about Shook's concoctions? Everything. In fact, I am going to take the leap and declare them the best cocktails I've ever had.

Shook's original recipes feature a variety of cocktail mixers made from organic fruits and veggies plus unusual ingredients (Himalayan crystal salt, goji berries, fresh coconut water, raw cacao, rose water, and living vitamin B-12, among others) that not only add up to an incredible taste sensation but one that's healthy and refreshing as well. Shook uses his knowledge of the ingredients and combines them with premium liquors to achieve the best possible taste and health benefits.

Take, for instance, the awesome Coco Love on the Beach ($12), fresh coconut water and flesh blended with banana and a pinch of Himalayan crystal salt, served inside the freshly cracked coconut. Coconut water is the highest natural source of electrolytes known to man. Add Himalayan crystal salt, which contains 84 minerals and trace elements that help re-establish electrolytes, and banana (a rich source of potassium), and you have the ultimate thirst quencher, not only at the sensory level but chemically. The Cruzan Rum is just for fun. I love the savory-spicy-sour flavors of the Pineapple Popeye (pineapple, organic spinach, parsley and celery, Himalayan crystal salt, lime, lemon, and Tito's Handmade Vodka) and the Jalapiña Margarita (pineapple, jalapeño, lime, orange, Himalayan crystal salt, organic raw agave nectar, and Hornitos tequila), both $11. The delicate Rambling Rose ($10) – organic raspberries, Texas watermelon, Persian rose water, lemon, agave nectar, Himalayan crystal salt, and Tito's – is like summer in a glass. 

Shook has plans to open a bar of his own someday (hopefully soon), but in the meantime, do not miss the chance to try these fabulous cocktails while you can!

For more information on these creative libations, go to www.dailyjuiceafterdark.com.