Ahhh Sotto…. that dark sanctuary. I’m wearing heels, there’s rock n roll, we’re drinking bottles of red and someone slides me the next unbelievable plate of whatever Chef Danny Combs has imagined. But I do have my go-tos, like your best clutch or Chanel black, they are as follows: chicken liver mousse bruschetta, panzanella, bavette con bottarga, and curse me, those ridiculous ricotta doughnuts. To drink - please - where else do you get sexy chianti in Cincinnati?
A couple weeks ago, friend and BRG beverage director, Kevin Hart, asked me to join him to taste new cocktails for Sotto. I was hesitant but intrigued. I mean, Sotto is the den of punk & carbonara. I’ve always associated the candlelit bar with their 100% italian wine list. But of course, they did it again: minimal, true to form and instantly transportive. These drinks, these flavor blasts, will now be on my must list, which is becoming not so minimal.
Without further ado:
A take on the classic gimlet (gin & lime), made with Sotto friend, Girogio Rivera’s vermouth out of La Spinneta Winery in Piedmonte. There is also a deeply satisfying pine, garden-fresh flavor from the rosemary infusion combining with the complex herbal bouquet from the vermouth.
Created by : Sarah Wilson
(Sotto Head Bartender)
As simple as it gets. Sparkling rosato (italian rosé) with mint and blueberry. Summer in my glass.
Created by : Sarah Wilson
(Sotto Head Bartender)
A classic sazerac uses rye, bitters & absinthe. Sotto tweaks this classic for the season by nixing the absinthe and adding a strawberry & white balsamic shrub. It’s tart and deep with the same refreshing quality you get when biting into the season’s first strawberry.
Created by : Trevor McCune
(Sotto Bartender)
Ripe late summer fruit. Kevin says this one is “all about the quality of ingredients." Lightly fruit-sweet with savory depth - be careful with this one!
Created by : Trevor McCune
(Sotto Bartender)
SOTTO FASHION
Sotto, literally “underneath,” is black leather, distressed hand made material, basically someone’s well appointed bomb shelter. The atmosphere is warm, glowing from the many candles and smiles. I always dress a bit edgier for Sotto. Think dark colors, cool patterns and a touch of leather.
Adam
Shirt: American Eagle
Jeans: 511 Levi's from J.Crew
Shoes: Timberland Chukka boots
Watch: Swiss Army Victorinox
Photography by Robin McKerrell