Last Exit launches fall cocktail menu: we took a drink

by Vicky Johnson

Last Exit, the year-old cocktail bar inside of Tonic on Mount Pleasant Street has a new fall cocktail menu full of seasonally appropriate walnut, butternut, pumpkin, and maple flavors. The menu is divided into signature and classic craft cocktails. Of the classics, the Bufala Negra (Buffalo Trace bourbon, balsamic vinegar, basil, simple syrup, house made ginger beer) is the standout. It's just a solid autumn drink - full, smooth, and warming. 

On the signature side, the Oh My Darling (Old Overholt Rye, butternut simple syrup, clementine juice, St Elizabeth allspice dram, egg white) is the ideal balance of sweet and tart (and a little nutty). The Great Pumpkin (Pumpkin-infused Old Overholt Rye, maple syrup, orange peel, walnut bitters) actually tastes like pumpkin and not pumpkin spice, which was kind of a refreshing change from all of the pie-spiced stuff this time of year. There are also some cider drinks available, as well as a Negroni flight.

Last Exit is offering, guided by bartender and cocktail historian Luke Johnson, an event called "Chasing Dr. Silvius: The Story of Gin Though Five Cocktails" on Sunday October 27th from 3-5pm. It's $50 per person and covers the 500-year history of sweet and dry gin. That's actually not too bad. I mean, cocktails in this city are typically $8-12 each anyway, and don't generally come with a full background from a cocktail historian. To sign up, contact Elizabeth Lettic at events.tonic@gmail.com