The five-syllable noun, apothecary, (ə-ˈpä-thə-ˌker-ē) entered the English language in the 14th century and is derived from the Latin apothēca, “storehouse.”
It became a title for the person who was skilled in preparing medicines. If you wish to be transported back into this era, look no further than Apothecary 330, a speakeasy-esque cocktail club that pays homage to those individuals who formulated herbal remedies mingled with alcohol as cure-alls.
The brain behind the concoction is Marc Falsetto, owner and CEO of Handcrafted Hospitality, a multi-level hospitality company that creates, designs, and manages multiple concepts throughout South Florida. We spoke to Marc about the space and its Old Fashioned Cart.
Talk to us about the space. The Apothecary 330 is a hidden gem nestled in the back of Pizza Craft in the Historic District of Fort Lauderdale. Behind a pair of doors, one encounters a speakeasy-esque cocktail club with brick walls, opulent leather banquettes, red couches, sultry lighting and a sleek, polished bar. Walls are adorned with turn-of-the-century knickknacks such as old sewing machines and decades-old Apothecary bottles. With seating for 35, The Apothecary 330 is the perfect spot to gather with friends for an evening of conversation and cocktails.
What kind of experience can guests expect when they visit? Guests can expect a cozy and intimate experience, whether it is before a show (at nearby Broward Center of Performing Arts), a date night, or a celebratory evening with friends. Bar Chefs are known for their meticulously crafted cocktails and extensive knowledge of spirits. Elevated bar bites complement the cocktails perfectly and include small plates like ricotta bruschetta with pistachios, crispy goat cheese and apple pizza, and mac n cheese bites. Guests can also order from Pizza Craft’s extensive Italian menu.
Tell us about the cocktail program. We have a vibrant bar program featuring over 250 bourbons, ryes, and whiskeys, as well as handcrafted cocktails, premier spirits and wines, healing tonics and elixirs. We feature creative Apothecary Cocktails, as well as Classics & Modern Classics including Espresso Martini, Paloma, and Amaretto Sour. Standout Apothecary Cocktails include The Fizz – Grey Whale Gin, pumpkin chai, infused gin pinch, aquafaba, lemon and simple syrup; The Tiki Drink – Plantation Dark Rum, Brugal Spiced Rum, All Spice Dram, Falernum, maple syrup, pineapple, homemade apple cider and tiki bitters, served with a flame garnish, amongst others. The cocktail club also features several The Apothecary’s newest highlight is a tableside Old Fashioned Cart, a personalized experience offering several fine spirits, garnishes and smoking varietals for guests to customize their dream Old Fashioned.
What are some of the most popular drinks and why? Our Old Fashioned Cart is always wildly-popular because it’s executed tableside and is a visually-unique experience. Plus, it allows you to customize your Old Fashioned to make it uniquely yours. People that come here are also more adventurous and rely on our Bar Chefs to craft the perfect cocktail based on their preferred flavor profile. Some of our new signature cocktails are really becoming popular like the Buzzing Moon – Barr Hill Gin, Velvet Falernum, passion fruit, coconut, and lemon.
What are some behind the bar trends happening in the new year that are important to know? I think we will continue to see an expansion of zero-proof and low ABV drinks. I also think that bold, straightforward single-note flavors will take center stage. Tequilas are on the rise again, as are hyper-regional spirits. You’ll also see an uptick in botanical and herbaceous ingredients in cocktails.
Tell us a bit about your cocktail menu/what inspires the design?
At the Turn of the Century the Apothecary was your Pharmacist, your Druggist and your Chemist. These folks concocted homemade Bitters and Herbal remedies (mixed with Alcohol, of course) for curative benefits. We find inspiration and pay homage to that era in everything we do, including the design of the menu.
The post The Old Fashioned Bar Cart at Apothecary appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
