Photo: Chris Emeott
Joe Ehlenz is the name behind your favorite Valley cocktail menus. An industry-leading bar director, Ehlenz is co-owner of the Lolo Restaurant Group, where he manages the bar at area staples like LoLo American Kitchen + Craft Bar and Stillwater Proper. Last autumn, he launched Proper Bartender, a line of distinct bitters made by bartenders for bartenders.
We connected with Ehlenz to get his take on signature cocktails for weddings in all seasons. “Make it your own,” Ehlenz says. “Whatever you like to drink is what should definitely be on the menu. You should never worry about satisfying every guest.”
For an elegant winter black tie celebration, Ehlenz suggests a variation on an Aperol Spritz. The recognizable, bright beverage is photogenic and lends itself to distinctive flavors and garnishes. It’s also light in alcohol and brings more volume as it’s served with ice, making it a great option for a celebration that is more buzzy than boozy. For a different take on elegant flavors, Ehlenz suggests a Toronto, a cocktail similar to an Old Fashioned, featuring rye whisky, Fernet-Branca, angostura bitters and maple syrup.
For vibrant spring nuptials, Ehlenz suggests embracing color with an infused spirit, like Obbink Distilling’s Aurora Waters, a butterfly pea flower-infused gin with a purple hue. “It will change with a bit of color as you add acid,” Ehlenz says. Or, go green with ingredients like apple, celery or cucumber. Grapefruit juice is another standout choice for spring, Ehlenz says. Combine with vodka or gin—or choose tequila for a riff on a Paloma.
A summer garden party for Ehlenz wouldn’t be complete without 45th Parallel Distillery’s Dill Aquavit. He often pairs it with Italian red bitters and grapefruit juice, topped with sparkling soda and lemon. Or, bring a hint of floral to the festivities with Diega Citrus Mexican Gin, a spirit infused with lemon verbena and chamomile. Add some Italian limonato soda, and garnish with thyme for a lively option that screams summer. “As simple as it is, there’s nothing more refreshing when it’s hot out than a gin and tonic,” Ehlenz says.
For a rustic autumn wedding, Ehlenz focuses on distinct flavors. His top recommendation, a Blueberry Whiskey Smash, features a deep violet hue and impressive flavor. “This is the time that a tiki cocktail could work too,” Ehlenz says. Or, consider a cocktail that brings in notes of cherry or perhaps something distinctive like Amaro Montenegro or Nocino Walnut Liqueur. “Start looking for some unique ingredients to build your cocktails around,” Ehlenz says.
What about Mocktails?
“There’s a lot of great nonalcoholic canned options out there. Lift Bridge [Brewing] does a great amount. There’s a company out in New York called St. Agrestis, which does a Phony Negroni. You should buy some, taste some, try them out, and see what works and what you like,” Ehlenz says. “Simple is probably your best bet. A really fun lavender lemonade can go a long way; the kids can still enjoy it, but then you can also add it to somebody’s vodka, and it serves two purposes.”
