Review: Urban Wren in Greenville, SC

Urban Wren in downtown Greenville, SC, offers a unique blend of local, southern, and Asian-inspired cuisine. With a recent chef change promising menu updates while preserving staples like Khicken and Fin and Belly, the restaurant boasts a talented bar staff and an impressive wine and beer selection. The Basque Burnt Cheesecake and Sous Vide Red Pork are must-tries, and patrons can also enjoy special cocktails. If you’re in the Upstate of South Carolina, Urban Wren comes highly recommended.

Honey Deuce Cocktail from the US Open

Here is my version of the U.S. Open tennis tournaments signature drink, the Honey Deuce. It contains vodka, Chambord, lemonade, and honeydew melon balls, resembling tennis balls.

Review: Topsoil Restaurant in Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Topsoil Restaurant, located in Travelers Rest, SC, is a celebrated farm-to-table dining gem led by Chef Adam Cooke, a James Beard semifinalist. The restaurant sources locally, boasting two James Beard finalists and a nominated pastry chef. With dynamic wine, beer, and cocktail offerings, it’s a must-visit in the Greenville area.

Paper Plane Cocktail (Take Two)

The Paper Plane cocktail was originally too bitter and lacked booziness. The final version includes extra bourbon, high-proof for a better taste, and reduced Amaro and Aperol to minimize bitterness. The double straining improved the texture. The ingredients are 2.5 oz high proof bourbon, 0.75 oz Amaro, 0.75 oz Aperol, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and a lemon twist for garnish.

Review: Mr. Crisp in Greenville, South Carolina

Mr. Crisp in Greenville, SC, is a favorite seafood restaurant offering a changing menu with must-try dishes like Fish and Chips, Hush Puppies, and seasonal fresh oysters. The bartender’s unique cocktails are also highly recommended. With a focus on local, sustainable ingredients, it’s a must-visit spot for seafood lovers in the area.

The Bee Sting Cocktail

The Bee Sting cocktail is a variation of the classic Bee’s Knees, adding a spicy twist with fresh jalapeno. Mix gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with muddled jalapeno, then strain and garnish with sliced jalapenos. The result is a sweet, tangy drink with a kick. Find more old school cocktails on the blog.

The Bee’s Knees Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a simple, delicious prohibition-era drink. With gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup, it strikes a perfect balance of botanicals, sweetness, and tartness. This classic cocktail suits those who prefer a boozy and not overly sweet drink. A honey simple syrup can be easily made for this refreshing concoction.

Summer Peach Manhattan

The Summer Peach Manhattan is a cocktail inspired by South Carolina Peach Ice Cream. The recipe uses the macerating liquid from the ice cream to make peach simple syrup. The cocktail also includes whiskey, aromatic bitters, and orange bitters. Simply mix the ingredients, strain, garnish with peach, and savor the delightful cocktail.