Shrooming at the Speakeasy

By Guest Editor Madison Murphy

I just finished listening to White Rabbit by Grace Potter in the car and then I stepped into the cool and trippy red lights of the Speakeasy Lounge.   Bypassed the martini glass shaped tables and cool private booths, I stepped up to the bar and started chatting away with Mary Walton and Gina Rossi.

The Speakeasy has been a staple of downtown refreshment for years now and the place remains an easy and fun place to hang out, huge supporter of local bands and showcase for the offbeat entertainment.  Gina is also involved in Cheroot Cigar lounge on 10^th and has been very active in the downtown scene in making Modesto a destination to enjoy any evening of the week.  Listing to the schedule of weekly music and entertainment, it is like a cocktailing trip down the rabbit hole, which leads me to the Shroom Juice.

Bathed in red light, Gina explains that she is known as “Shroom” and people have their secret Shroom names, but won’t  tell.  Mary tells us that she is “Brainy Shroom” and can give us all the history of the shroom and supporting evidence.   This leads us to a nice tall cold drink called the Shroom Juice.  So the ModestoView crew orders 4 of them and we get on with the fun.    Gina and Mary pour a line up of Stoli Blueberry, Cranberry, Collins and shake away until have the perfect blend.   Their other special drinks are a very unique Cosmo with secret ingredients and is extra special because as Gina explains, “We shake the s*** out of it”.  So there.

There is never a dull moment at the Speakeasy and there is something happening everynight of the week.  If you are a local band, contact the Speakeasy and they are always looking to showcase bands on Saturday nights.  It is great to see the places downtown that have been there year after year and make downtown Modesto a place that we can enjoy.   Next time, I’m coming back for the Cosmo.

Speakeasy Shroom Juice

• Pour over ice
• 2 oz Stoli Blueberry Vodka
• 1/2 and 1/2 of remaining space.
• 2 oz Collins
• 2 oz Cranberry
• Squeeze of Lime (optional)

Shake, Shake and Serve. Repeat when necessary

Sun & Mon – Karaoke
Tuesday – Uncle Stinky
Wednesday – Johnny & Kelly
Thursday – DJ Chopstiques – 80s / 90s
Friday – Neil & Matt
Saturday – Live Bands

Speakeasy Lounge
928 12th Street
Modesto, CA 95354-2328
(209) 238-3907

GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT MUSIC AND GREAT DRINKS