by Steven Doyle
We keep finding these amazing places to have a great cocktail across the city and today we found a superb spot that perhaps was off your radar. We were in Asador, which is located in the Dallas Renaissance Hotel. The restaurant is known for their incredible nod to all things local, and chef Max has this kicked up menu that shouldn’t be missed.
But this day we were in search of the drink and we found more than a few selections in the lobby restaurant. Enter Tyler Lott. At first glance she didn’t appear to be old enough to have the chops to create fine cocktails, but after watching her wield a muddler for a few minutes you could get this sense that she knew her way around the bar. That, and she has six years experience.
The bar at Asador has the same philosophy as the restaurant. If it is in season and fresh they will use the ingredient.
“We are using anything that’s local and anything that is in season. If we get in a really good herb we will infuse it in a tequila, vodka or gin and use it that way. We make our own bitters, simple syrups and purees,” said Lott.
After a few cocktails she made us one that stood out. The Torched Chipotle is made with Hanger One Chipotle vodka, fresh blood orange reduction, lime and lemon juice and a torched orange peel. The drink had a slight sizzle but was easily calmed by the citrus juices. And the addition of a flamed orange peel gave it a complexity that summoned another sip.
Lott talked about some of her favorite cocktails, and we were sipping on one of them. She prefers the timeless classics like an Aviation, which is a variation of a gin sour.
You can try the Drink of the Week at a bargain price of $6 for happy hour each day between 4 and 7pm, or during their reverse happy on Monday’s between 9 and 11pm. Taco Tuesday will net you a deal on tacos plus complimentary tequila tastings.
