It’s a full week of imbibing fine drinks on the cheap as The Pitch presents Kansas City Craft Cocktail Week December 13-19.
Photo: DepositPhotos
For seven day you can try specialty cocktails at some of Kansas City’s coolest bars and restaurants for just $5 each.
What really makes a drink a craft cocktail?
We chatted with a few bartenders for answers. Based on our delicious (and fun) research, we’ve learned that craft cocktails start with fresh and homemade ingredients. Think fresh-squeezed juices, syrups made in-house rather than something frozen or full of preservatives and shipped in.
There is also a preference for small batch spirits. Those are easily found right here in Kansas City from Tom’s Town, S.D. Strong, J. Rieger, Mean Mule and Lifted Spirits, just to name a few.
Another theme is presentation through creative garnishes, attractive glassware, specialty ice cubes or something else that makes the drink visually attractive. Fun names and a bit of a story don’t hurt either.
We could go on debating the elements of craft cocktails, but you’re probably thirsty. Here’s where you can go drink fancy drinks on the cheap during The Pitch’s Kansas City Craft Cocktail Week.
As always, be safe, patient, polite and tip as generously as you can. The bartenders work extra hard during this week.
The Pitch’s Kansas City Craft Cocktail Week Locations
These are participating bars and the featured cocktail for each one. Drink up!
Afterword Tavern & Shelves
1834 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO
816-551-7488
- The Naughty or Spice: jalapeño-infused Mean Mule Silver, grapefruit, ginger, and lime.
Atomic Cowboy
4144 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO
816-800-7816
- Maple Old Fashioned: a mix of J. Rieger bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, and cherry.
Beer Kitchen
435 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO
816-389-4180
- Apple Pie Today: Jack Daniels Apple, cinnamon whipped cream, and grated nutmeg.
Blind Box BBQ
1601 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, KS
13214 62nd Terrace, Shawnee, KS
- Chocolate Cherry Manhattan: Bourbon, vermouth, cherry, and chocolate bitters.
Photo: DepositPhotos
Char
4050 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO
816-389-8600
- Char Away: Old Crow Whiskey, apple juice, Gosling’s Ginger Beer, and a charred lemon wheel.
Double Tap KC
310 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO
816-800-4001
- The Revolver: Buffalo Trace bourbon, coffee liqueur, orange bitters, and an orange peel garnish.
Drum Room
1329 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO
816-303-1686
- The Red Room: Old Forester Whisky, rosemary simple syrup, and Fee Brothers Cranberry Bitters.
Mickey’s Hideaway
4507 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO
816-469-5001
- Passionfruit Mojito: White rum, brown sugar syrup, muddled mint, and passionfruit.
Pete’s Steakhouse
618 Commercial Street, Kansas City, MO
816-367-7096
- Happy Accidents: Blue raspberry vodka, Monster Energy, strawberry lemonade, lemon lime soda and Coca-Cola.
Port Fonda
4141 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO
816-321-1131
- Ms. L Toe: Red wine float with Del Maguey Crema de Mezcal, tequila, strawberry syrup, and lime.
Photo: DepositPhotos
The Saloon at Old Shawnee Pizza
19617 W. 101st Street, Lenexa, KS
913-254-1234
- The Campfire: Rye whiskey, pure maple syrup, chocolate bitters, smoked and garnished with toasted marshmallows.
Tiki Taco
1710 W. 39th Street Kansas City, MO
816-489-3686
- Island Time Marg: Tequila and Cointreau with fresh squeezed mandarin, lemon, and lime, topped with Grand Marnier.
Waldo Pizza
7433 Broadway, Kansas City, MO
816-363-5242
- West Bottom’s Holiday Manhattan: Local West Bottoms KC Whiskey, Heering cherry liquer, Crème de Cacao, and orange bitters.
West Bottoms Whiskey Co.
1321 W. 13th Street, Kansas City, MO
816-239-0520
- Old Fashioned: Kansas City Whiskey, dry sherry and maple syrup. Garnished with a dehydrated mandarin and a whiskey-infused marasca cherry with a glass smoked with bitters on an actual whiskey stave.
