Eddie V’s is a 12 state steak and seafood restaurant chain with one location in Troy, Michigan. I was invited to visit their newest theme event, Moon Shine. It goes from now until just before Thanksgiving (November 24th).
I was curious how a chain with 20+ locations would execute a speakeasy-style craft cocktail menu. Overall, I was impressed.
Spirit Tasting flights are typically reserved for high-end and specialized bars. Eddie Vs take on it pairs three solid spirits with one aged rum (Real McCoy 12 year Old), one bourbon (Old Forester 1920 – a fav of mine) and a rye (WhistlePig 10 year old). While they are bigger brands, these niche expressions aren’t normally seen on chain menus. The flight also comes with a filet mignon teaser. I approve.
The menu features four cocktails and a rocks pour. Starting with the rocks pour, the restaurant calls attention to the WhistlePig 10 Year. It pairs it with a crystal clear ice cube. These are likely ordered and not made in-house in a tray. Another sign that the group is going the extra mile. However, it is listed as a cocktail which is debatable.
The Gatsby Sour is a take on a New York sour which typically features a wine float. This cocktail is quite beautiful. The flavor is a bit all over the map. If you don’t stir it, the wine is all you taste followed by a whiskey sour that needed more balance. The official recipe does not list simple syrup but I was told some is in there.
The 24 Karat is another beautiful cocktail. While the drink alone is tart, the pairing with the sugar rim balances it out. I’m impressed with the restraint to not make a sweet cocktail paired with a sweet rim.
Is Butterfly Pea Flower going main stream? This has been a trick of craft cocktail bars for a few years now. It’s natural blue color is a great alternative to artificial coloring and with a slight change in the acidity of the cocktail you can change it to purple. Eddie V’s creatively freezes Butterfly Pea Flower Tea into an ice cube so the pairing with the cocktail of Vodka, grapefruit liqueur and lemon makes the drink change over your enjoyment of the drink. This drink did remind me of fancy Kool-Aid but I appreciate the table side presentation.
Rounding out the cocktail list is the Bee’s Knees. This was by far the best balanced cocktail and featured Plymouth Gin, Honey and Lemon Juice. The addition of dried thyme on top adds to the nose of the drink.
Overall, I applaud the effort of the Eddie V’s group. Tackling this menu over 20+ locations is a feat. There is certainly room for improvement but they are taking on a challenge I would welcome to see at more places. Bravo.
