THE LOCALS
BARTENDER SUBMISSIONS
Natalia Olenicoff and her brother Andrei dreamed of opening a restaurant featuring locally sourced products. After he passed away in 2005, Natalia made that dream a reality by opening Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails in his memory. Natalia was always passionate about spirits and creative concoctions and was constantly dismayed by the syrupy sweet recipes she found at most restaurants and bars. “When I set out to create Andrei’s cocktail menu, I wanted to provide a variety of flavors while at the same time cutting out the artificial and overpowering sweetness in most drinks. One of the most consistent comments we receive from guests is that they love our cocktails because they’re not only delicious, but they also feel healthy. I can’t say that they’re hangoverproof, but at least they’re all natural!” Michelle Botta has been mixing for over 15 years. She adds, “Along side Natalia, I have the opportunity to combine so many delicious and unique ingredients when creating our specialty drinks, like our signature Blackberry Cooler. Inventive cocktails really enhance the experience for our guests.”
Blackberry Cooler INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 oz. Absolut Raspberri 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice 1/4 oz. Agave Nectar Pinch of Basil Leaves 3 Blackberries Splash of Ginger Ale PREPARATION Squeeze lemons and muddle agave, blackberries and basil in tin. Add ice and vodka. Shake, pour and top with Ginger Ale.
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CHILLED MAGAZINE
Photos courtesy Rick Bollerf
Natalia Olenicoff & Michelle Botta