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Classic Cocktails with ROOT & History – Alfa’s Erik Boardman
Erik Boardman, bartender at Alfa Restaurant and Bar (located on the 1700 block of Walnut St.) recently showcased three original cocktails all featuring ROOT. Based on classic drinks, Erik adds a local and historical twist to make them truly unique.
The Governer’s Garden is named for its featured ingredient: cucumbers. Cucumbers, or “cowcumbers” as they were called, were grown in the garden of Massachusetts Bay Colony’s first governor. This garden was one of the first in Colonial America, sprouting a love for gardening that remains in New England today. The Governer’s Garden is a take on a “Pimm’s Cup” that utilizes fresh ingredients including basil and lemon.
Sticking to the theme of colonial America, Erik concocted a drink he calls “Sacagawea”. The Sacagawea is based on a Negroni, which mixes Campari Bitters, Sweet Vermouth, and Gin. For the Sacagewea, Erik brings ROOT and blood orange into the mix, producing a cocktail unique in color and taste.
For the fall season, Erik introduced us to his take on “The Wood”, a Parisian cocktail featuring bourbon and sugar. Erik infuses ROOT into the drink, mixing it with cinnamon sticks and orange to produce a “John Wilkes Booth”.
Art In The Age ROOT: Recipe – The John Wilkes Booth from Art In The Age on Vimeo.
The uniquely local and historic approach that Erik brings to these cocktails adds to the Pennsylvania history already contained in a bottle of ROOT.
Recipes for these cocktails as well as a variety of other locally crafted ROOT cocktails can be found in the “Recipes” section of the AITA Spirits website.
