by Bailey Shelton | photos Courtesy of Anthony’s Chophouse
The Best Beverage Starts with a Strong Foundation
Artisans come in all shapes and sizes. Much like the homes and their builders that this issue features, there’s a certain artistry to being a bartender. Join us as Ainsley Sherlock of Anthony’s Chophouse in Carmel serves up some of her secrets for crafting the perfect cocktail – and keep an eye out for their latest cocktail menu.
PLAY OFF OF A WELL-KNOWN FAVORITE
The team at Anthony’s Chophouse prides themselves on expanding their customer’s palettes and educating them on the items they order. Ainsley Sherlock takes this as an opportunity to use familiar favorites as a base for creating something new.
FLAVORS THAT SPEAK TO THE SEASON
Sherlock suggests working with the flavors that most define the season, even if they seem off the beaten path of cocktail ingredients – for fall, think sweet potato, cinnamon, and warming liquors like Rum and Kentucky Bourbon.
This is also where the strong foundation comes into play, says Sherlock. “A lot of times we’ll take a classic cocktail recipe and rework it to be seasonal, so it’s kind of recognizable to them, but they may not realize why.”
Of course, some seasonal choices become favorites year round – which is why you might’ve noticed their Campfire Coffee, a blend of toasted coffee and marshmallow, is a dessert menu staple.
TAKE A PEEK INSIDE
AN ENVIRONMENT OF COLLABORATION AND VERSATILITY
When experimenting with your next great beverage combination, it’s important to bounce ideas off of the people around you. Behind each seasonal menu at Anthony’s Chophouse is a brainstorm session among the staff. The result is clear on the menu, where each crafted cocktail is attributed to the bartender that came up with the idea.
Sherlock says, “When we start brainstorming for new cocktails I like to look for flavor combinations, maybe in food that I’ve liked before. I take note of those flavor combinations and how I can potentially make them into something else.”
Whatever your pleasure, Anthony’s Chophouse is serving up craft cocktails suited to your palette. Check out what Ainsley Sherlock and the rest of their team are mixing up with their new seasonal offerings at 201 W. Main St. in Carmel, or make a reservation and browse the menu at anthonyschophouse.com.
