Like Russian Matroyshka dolls, there are a few bars in L.A. that are snuggled up inside other bars: Bar Jackalope inside Seven Grand, the Walker Inn inside Normandie Club, the Varnish inside Cole's. Now there's Ashland Hill Brick Bar, a brand new bar located within Ashland Hill's old taproom. And to get even more niche? The menu consists entirely of gin and tonics.
At the helm of this venture is legendary L.A. mixologist Vincenzo Marianella, who usually mans the stick at Copa d'Oro. He's crafted a menu that incorporates more than 60 varieties of gin, along with vibrant ingredients that range from yuzu to homemade honey ginger syrup (if you've ever had one of his Copa creations, you'll know that Marianella visits the farmers' market as much as any liquor store). Expect wildly different versions of this standard cocktail, employing gin styles like London Dry, Old Tom and Genever.
If gin isn't usually your jam, now might be a good time to start exploring the spirit. It's seeing a resurgence in bars across Los Angeles, most likely due to the fact that as more distilleries open, gin is one of the easier (and, therefore, first) spirits to be made. Its relative smoothness makes it a versatile spirit to use in a cocktail and perfect for experimenting.
And if you're already a gin fanatic? Make your way to La Cañada Flintridge, where you'll find the Flintridge Proper—the largest gin bar in the world.
Ashland Hill Brick Bar is open during Ashland Hill's regular hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-midnight, Sat 8am-midnight, Sun 8am-10pm.
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