Modesto Holiday Bar Stumble By Kate Serpa Photos by Philip Johnson
Nothing gets me in a festive spirit quite like drinking. The holiday season is exhausting, and I think we all need a delicious December cocktail or two (or four) to keep us all in a merry mood. Thus, Philip and I decided to embark upon a bar crawl, a ‘stumble’ if you will, of downtown Modesto’s finest drinking establishments. All of these locals, mind you, are within a short walking distance of one another. We have, in short, provided you with directions that can be used as a terrific excuse for a ‘get-out-of-the-house-stroll’ after family festivities. Tell them you want to check out Modesto’s downtown culture, or that the exercise would do you good. Philip and I won’t tell them otherwise. Consider this our holiday gift to you.
Just for you, Philip and I visited various places downtown to catch willing bartenders completely unawares and bully them into telling us what is in their December holiday cocktail arsenal. These are the winning results:
First stop: Tresetti’s with Jessica Ybarra “T.H.B.R.” – The Hot Buttered Rum -Combine sweet butter, brown sugar, holiday spices, and vanilla ice cream in the bottom of an Irish coffee glass. -Add 3 oz. of rum and hot water. -Stir like crazy. -Top with whipped cream and cinnamon. -Try to keep moans of ecstasy to a low volume.
Second Stop: Boardroom with Sean Devlin “Pumpkin Pie Martini” -Combine and shake 2 oz. of Smirnoff Marshmallow Vodka, 3 oz. Fireball, splash of half and half, and 2 tsp. pumpkin pie puree -Serve in a graham cracker-crusted martini glass and finish with whipped cream. -Enjoy with a slice of pumpkin pie. Better yet, skip the pie and enjoy with another pumpkin pie martini. Two hands, two martinis!
Third Stop: Galletto Ristorante with Spencer Jones “Christmas Collins” -Combine and shake a dash of fresh squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of sage, some simple syrup, 2 oz. Crème de Casis, and 5 oz. Hendrick’s Gin. -Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a sage leaf. -Try not to die from deliciousness. It’s difficult, but try.
Fourth Stop: Che’root with Megan Monaco “Gingerbread Espresso Martini” -Combine and shake 1.5 oz. vanilla vodka, 1.5 oz. Crème de Cacao, a shot of espresso, however much Baileys you deem right, and a splash of gingerbread syrup -Top with whipped cream, cinnamon, coffee beans, chocolate flakes, glitter…. wait, no glitter, and/or a candy cane. The more decorated, the better.
Also, remember to celebrate Repeal Day on December 5th! On this date in 1933, Prohibition officially ended and America was given back her right to a legal drink. What better way to celebrate my favorite holiday then with a visit to your favorite bar!
Happy Drinking!
