The Production

Over the Top

Every year, the North American International Auto Show brings out the best of planners and vendors presenting a flurry of spectacular entertainment events during the show’s two-week run in the Motor City.

This drink, crafted by Eurest Catering in partnership with Bedrock Events, was created for a client who was hosting an Auto Show Charity Preview private reception at The Madison in downtown Detroit. Not only are local craft brews still popular for events, but locally distilled spirits are also gaining greater popularity. 

Uncovering the Elements of Success

From its tasty Troublemaker fall specialty drink to its featured spring MI Thyme signature cocktail, the mixologists at Ann Arbor’s The Kensington Hotel offer a flavorful selection of aftermeeting options.

It’s spring and time for something unusual at your next event.

Here’s a little coffee cocktail magic from northern Michigan’s Hotel Walloon.

Riesling, meet bourbon. This refreshing pairing found in the Royal Park Bourbon Sangria is served at the PARK 600 bar + kitchen at Rochester’s Royal Park Hotel. Bartender and server Megan Seeley concocted this citrusy sweet drink while planning the summer menu. “We typically go through 24-30 gallons a week,” says Richard Ragainis, the hotel’s food and beverage director. With such positive buzz from customers, it’s apropos that the drink is made in a sizable jar shaped like a beehive.

Ferndale’s Otus Supply opened last year, and named this cocktail after a song by New Orleans’ Rebirth Brass Band.

INGREDIENTS:
—1.5 oz. Remy Martin 1738
—0.5 oz. Tempus Fugit Gran Classico
—0.75 oz. lemon sherbet*
—3 dashes hazelnut bitters*
—lemon twist for garnish
—Herbsaint

DIRECTIONS:
1. Rinse a Nick and Nora glass with Herbsaint.
2. Stir all other ingredients in a mixing glass.
3. Strain cocktail into Herbsaintrinsed glass.
4. Garnish with lemon twist.

Local jam companies are popping up, and their concoctions are taking off. 

Grosse Pointe-based Slow Jams, founded in 2011 and initially sold just at Eastern Market, now retails its products at Plum Market, Kroger, and a host of local restaurants, markets and shops. 

The Spiced Maple Manhattan hails from Traverse City’s new Hotel Indigo. Make it at home yourself or sample it this spring at the Indigo rooftop gathering following our 12th annual Best of Michigan readers’ choice awards.

INGREDIENTS:
—2 dashes orange bitters
—1 cherry
—1 orange slice
—1.5 T Vanilla Cinnamon Maple Simple Syrup (see below)
—2 oz. Traverse City Cherry Whiskey
—1 T sweet vermouth
—1 cinnamon stick for garnish