(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
Shorter days…changing leaves…dropping temps…Tis a time of transition. Not only in regard to the weather, though. There has also been a shift in ownership at one of my favorite watering holes: Finch & Fifth. I’m betting you weren’t even aware, as the transition has been seamless.
Fear not, Augusta, you can still find those flaky + piquant tomato pies, that sinfully unctuous bacon jam, those impeccably palate-pleasing charcuterie boards. But what you may notice is more variety and a refinement of plating aesthetic. And I imagine those tweaks are merely scratching the surface of beautiful things yet to come.
For Sara Cro, there is no “finding her footing” in her recent procurement. Having already dedicated many multifaceted years to the F+B industry, she has both feet planted on terra firma.
“Finch & Fifth has always felt like home, and I was privileged to work for Faulkner [Warlick] several years ago. He has been a mentor and friend ever since. He was the first person I called for career advice after I left cooking and ventured into food sales.
“When I came back to the kitchen, it was to escalate an existing brand and run a business with partner Hannah Hillman that feels like home. Hannah and I are taking Faulkner’s conceptual brand and escalating it while keeping its integrity. This is where we shine in our respective creativity,” she said.
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Which brings me to the gist of my column: what about the cocktails?
“Hannah is one of—if not the best—cocktail designers in town. Her execution, leadership, and creativity complement everything I do in the kitchen. We are excited to bring these concepts to the Augusta food scene and create a place that feels like home to you, too.”
As the self-proclaimed Augusta Cocktail Diva, I can attest to Hannah’s talent, as I have many a time sipped + savored her marvelous concoctions. So what will you find at Finch & Fifth this fall? Masterfully designed drinks laced with autumnal nuances presented by spices + herbs + textures that will comfortably escort you into the cooler season.
🍸For example, the Like a Virgin is fashioned after a vodka gimlet, featuring a refreshing spritz of lime. This gimlet, however, straddles the seasons with its F&F rosemary + EVOO vodka. Such an infusion is called fat washing, which builds the cocktail’s mouthfeel without adding more ingredients. Add a few turns of cracked black pepper and this drink is delicious sweater weather sipper.
🍸The style of the Hibiscus Harvest resembles a whiskey sour, but this elixir smacks of seasonal change. The bourbon base is blended with F&F fall hibiscus tea for an autumnal glow. Then it’s sweetened with rich Luxardo syrup and topped with an elegant + spicy Bergamot foam. The result? A cozy cocktail you’ll want to tuck into.
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🍸The Berckman & Highland, a blend of two rums and tropical fruits, smacks of a Tiki drink. While keeping one foot in summer’s door, this cocktail straddles the seasons with the addition of warm cinnamon. Although fall winds are starting to nip, this drink’s comforting aroma and subtle spice will globetrot you to Polynesia.
The new season-bridging cocktail lineup at Finch & Fifth will ease you into Augusta’s cooler weather. And as you’re cozied up to one of these bevvies, don’t forget to tell them nakedepicurean sent you. 💋
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
🍸Happy Hour every day from 3 to 6 p.m.
🍸Half-priced charcuterie Wednesday evenings
🍸Live music Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m.
🍸Open Monday–Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Finch & Fifth
379 Highland Avenue
Augusta, GA 30909
(706) 364-5300
Ann Beth Strelec is known around town as the Naked Epicurean, sampling the finest cocktails known to Augustans. Find out about adult beverages at The Augusta Press on the first and third Friday or on Instagram @NakedEpicurean
