Walking In A Hendrick's Wonderland

Imagine walking around on a normal night in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. You walk in a door, and are suddenly transported into a magical woodland, glittery branches on all sides, snow drifting gently down from the ceiling. The snow is magically not cold or wet, but gentle puffs of tissue paper. At the end of the corridor, a bartender in vest and suspenders ladled up a gin punch for us. 

The punch was just the beginning of a lovely Hendrick's filled evening. Working out of a giant sparkling stump, fantastic bartenders prepared an array of interesting cocktails for us and the other imbibers crowding around. Besides the stump, a fountain with rose petals and cucumber slices, giant glowing mushrooms, various wandering characters (including a dwarf), and a bunch of wandering green pins of light set the scene. As one of the Onion writers said, "I would say this place is like a drug trip, but Hendrick's Gin wouldn't be promoting consuming something that alters your state." Besides stand-up from the Onion staffers, we listened to a fantastic band, The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn play great jazz, swing and blues. We may have danced on the woodland floor.

We already knew we enjoyed Hendrick's Gin, but this event definitely gave them an enchanted glow for us. Check out their website, for just a taste of the charming company ethos, then go procure a bottle and make some of the special event drinks (recipes below) for a different type of taste. 

This one was yummy and soothing (great for fighting a cold, too):

Post In-Law’s Visit Recovery Punch

1 part Hendrick’s Gin

1 part Chamomile Tea

1 part Pineapple Juice

1/2 part Lemon Juice

1/2 part Honey Syrup

1 Mint Tip

3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

1/2 part Dry Cognac

Lemon wheel

 

Combine ingredients in a punchbowl, stir well and lash with bitters.  Smack mint over bowl and discard.  Serve in martini glass, garnish with lemon wheel.

 

*To make tea: place 4 bags per 8oz hot water.  Allow to steep 1 hour.  Chill.

**To make syrup-: 2 parts honey to 1 part warm water stirred well and kept cold.

Really unusual drink- herbal and refreshing:

Snow Miser’s Cooler

1 1/2 parts Hendrick’s Gin

1/2 part St. Germain

3/4 part Lime Juice

1/4 part Simple Syrup

1 1/2 part Soda Water

1 dash Lavender/Spice Bitter

Cucumber Spear

 

Mix all ingredients excluding soda water and cucumber spear.  Ice, shake well and strain into iced long glass and top with soda. Garnish with cucumber spear and serve in a long glass.

A deathly drink for the allergic-to-apples writer, but deemed delicious by other, less afflicted staff members:

But Fifteen “bob” Punch

20 parts Hendrick’s Gin

20 parts Unfiltered Apple Cider with Mulling Spices

20 parts Tazo Red Apple Tea

10 parts Coconut Juice

10 lemons

5 parts Grade B Maple Syrup

Star Anise

Cinnamon Sticks

 

*To mull: Heat apple cider with R.W. Knudsen mulling spice tea bag per 8 oz for 5 min, discard tea bag.

Combine remaining ingredients and keep at a low rolling heat.  Garnish with star anise and cinnamon sticks.  Serve in a punch cup.