Spring Sessions

A Lotta Love for Low-Octane Libations

In the wide wild kingdom of strong and stirred cocktails, it’s refreshing to see a new spark in the session cocktail movement. At Courtland Club on Providence’s Federal Hill, Beverage Director Leishla Maldonado curates a low-ABV cocktail menu that’s both contemporary and creative.

Exactly what is a “session” or “low-ABV” cocktail? It’s a cocktail that has no more than ¾ ounce of base spirit (vodka, tequila, whiskey ...) and emphasizes ingredients like amaro, vermouth and fortified wine to define the balance and flavor, while bringing alcoholic content (alcohol by volume, or ABV) down to a minimum.

Think of the zesty Aperol Spritz or a Pimm’s Cup as examples and you’re in the ballpark of cocktails that are high on flavor and conservative in alcohol content.

Maldonado’s lighthearted White Port ‘n’ Tonic is updated with a nip of local sea salt and dehydrated minced kiwi to rim the glass. Tropical fruit added to the briny minerality of salt from Newport Sea Salt Co. accentuates the rich caramel profile of the white port, a fortified wine from the Douro region of Portugal. A wheel of watermelon radish glows like a full red moon rising over the sea, and offers an anticipatory crunch of spice that plays in harmony with the sweet, tangy blend of port and bubbly tonic.

Otherwise, ease into the evening with Maldonado’s Flor Española, a Manzanilla sherry cocktail mixed with elderflower liqueur, fresh lime and a splash of blanco tequila for structure. Here, tequila plays the supporting role in the arc of the cocktail adding bright peppery spice to the fruity salinity of the sherry and elderflower. Lime and honey offer fresh floral notes and a frilly fresh fennel sprig offers a hint of spring with green licorice on the palate.

You’ll marvel that you can wind down an evening with friends with your wits about you, and awake in the morning feeling equally refreshed!