Summer Drinks

In burgeoning downtown Topeka, Cyrus Hotel is focused on creating one-of-a-kind experiences and offering hand-crafted cocktails at its flagship restaurant and bar, The Weather Room. Here, the staff puts a spin on The Roseberry, a concoction of rose liqueur, gin, simple syrup and aquafaba (the residual water from cooking chickpeas). The mix is shaken and poured into a chilled glass, then topped with sparkling wine. The aquafaba provides a frothy layer, allowing bartenders to float a rose petal delicately at the top of the drink.

Sarah Mills has been bartending in Topeka for eight years, but she says The Weather Room has given her an opportunity to create “eclectic” drinks with specialty tools like infusers and smokers.

She describes the chance to develop her own drinks as a “really good experience” that leads to exclusive creations. The Weather Room seeks out products from local businesses such as PT’s Coffee and Hazel Hill Chocolate to incorporate into its drinks and menu.

“People are experiencing downtown a little differently,” says Mills, a native Topekan. “It’s like a second chance. The scene is changing.”

This classic cocktail is made with Ketel One Citroen, agave and fresh lemon juice. Finishing touches include pouring it into a chilled, sugar-rimmed glass and garnishing with a lemon wedge and a lemon twist, freshly peeled for an extra citrusy punch.

“It’s an enjoyable drink for a nice, hot summer day,” says bartender Matt Hughes, who adds that the most fun part of making the drink is adding the lemon twist.

In creating this drink, café manager Sarah Kietzman says she began with the goal of featuring the caffeine, and bringing it in the form of chai to spice up the cocktail. The result is what she describes as a “warm sipper” based in almond milk and chai poured over bourbon to give the drink additional depth. A dollop of maple syrup adds to the drink’s sweetness and complexity, and a garnish of a cinnamon stick provides some spice and decoration.

“It’s “not a straight-up drink,” Kietzman says, “but it’s a really easy-to-drink drink.”