Scorch-y summer is soon upon us, but I am here to help. When you feel like you are about to melt into the pavement, run—do not walk—to The Indian Queen at 2502 Wrightsboro Rd. to equip yourself with summer sipping essentials. Each of Sean’s beautiful and refreshing libations plays on the flavors of the season—juicy fruits + bright flavors that taste like a party in a glass.
But perhaps most important factor this time of year is the drinks MUST be extra chilly (can I get an amen?). So let’s take a minute to talk about ice. I am a big fan of ice. Dare I say, I have an indefensible ice fetish. I am a proponent of (and believer in) the mantra, “SIZE MATTERS.” Case in point: a big, sexy cube in an Old Fashioned chills the drink just enough to quell the bourbon’s heat. Melts slowly assures your drink will not be diluted all the while opening up the bourbon. It’s a perfect complement.
You know what else matters? TEXTURE, as in pellet ice. As in the kind of ice you find at Sonic. It works swimmingly well in cocktails because it chills drinks quickly and thoroughly. I liken it to cooling down by dunking your head in a bucket of ice water, except in this case it’s your parched throat. Wanna guess what kind of ice you’ll find at The Indian Queen? That’s right—pellet ice! With such an eye for detail, it’s safe to say these guys have mastered the art of cocktailing. They know exactly what they’re doing.
But enough about ice already. Let’s talk about my bartender, Sean, who makes drinks with ease, finesse + confidence. I asked for newsworthy cocktails, and in his man-of-few-words manner, he simply nodded in affirmation that stated, “I got you.”
🥃First in the line-up is the Black Bear, a pleasant comingling of berries + citrus + sugar + bourbon. Muddling the blackberries subdues the richness of the liquor and turns this drink an über-lovely hue of magenta. It rates high on the “you’re about to be tipsy” scale, so sip with caution.
🥃Next he made a Kiwi Margarita, starting with a good Muddling of kiwi. Then, in true margarita fashion, he added tequila + Cointreau and brightened the libation with lime + orange juices and done agave. Let’s not forget that salted rim. The minerality of salt is the perfect complement to the citrusy sweetness of the fruit juices. Clean. Crisp. Refreshing.
🥃Behind curtain #3 was the Cool as a Cucumber, which Sean managed to juggle while juicing lemons and engaging in playful banter with other patrons. This drink consists of clean vodka, some muddled cuke, simple syrup, lime and–wait for it–freshly cracked black pepper. Freshly ground pepper takes this cocktail up a notch by adding flavor depth. The self-assured spice draws out the vodka’s subtle aromatics and is a welcomed juxtaposition against of subtly fresh, aqueous green cucumber.
Find an oasis amidst the South’s dreadful heat by sidling up to the bar at The Indian Queen. There you will find relief from your drought-y afternoon drag. The next time you are parched and your throat is yearning for relief, visit Sean at Indian Queen. You won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to tell them nakedepicurean sent you. 💋
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
