Bottoms Up: The Elder Rye at Mr. Friendly’s

It’s that time of the year where drinking cocktails mixed in a Mason jar just feels better.

Mr. Friendly’s, which has several mixed drinks that include Cheerwine syrup, sweet tea vodka and rye whiskey, has the inherent feel of a southern cafe.

The Elder Rye is a thirst quencher for the warmer days ahead and it all starts with the inviting sunshine yellow color of the drink.

The classy cocktail is a mix of Bulleit Rye Whiskey, elderflower soda, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and a splash of soda.

The thing that makes the drink unique is the rye.

“Rye is just the new thing that people are using,” said Justin Matthews, the bar manager. “It’s got a different flavor that adds a unique taste to cocktails and it’s become really popular.”

Matthews, who has been at Mr. Friendly’s for more than 11 years, loves the way that the restaurant and bar keeps their drinks and food local.

“It’s nice to support local companies and use local products, such as Old Mill vodka.”

The Elder Rye itself has a fresh flavor to it, because of the rye and the elderflower. It avoids the cliche sweet and fruity route and gives the drinker a crisp and refreshing finish.

Enjoy!

Aaron Ransdell

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This story was originally published April 8, 2015 at 11:11 AM with the headline "Bottoms Up: The Elder Rye at Mr. Friendly’s."