2 minute read
Drink This Now
Drink This Now
NIGHTCLAWS AT NIGHTHAWK
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By Sarah Sipple
This is the club you’ve been looking for. In the basement of downtown’s Hotel Kansas City, you can hear a brass band or a DJ, order a strawberry daiquiri shot or Uncle Nearest neat, and munch on spiced popcorn or cake bonbons. On top of that variety, there’s no cover, no dress code, no reservations, and food is served all night. Nighthawk knows what the people want, and it provides.
The unassuming section of their menu titled “Nightclaw Setlzers” is a selection of four house-made canned cocktails for $12. The price may seem steep, but these are no common bubbles.
The Pineapple variety hits with a depth of surprise as a prominent pineapple-infused Aperol taunts the senses first. Like all of the Nightclaws, the carbonation is minimal, but the alcohol content sits at a slightly elevated 5-5.6% ABV. Other ingredients include pineapple-infused vodka and pineapple Jarritos. It is best when it’s ice cold, so the low carbonation allows it to be consumed quickly.
Top sellers include Cucumber Key Lime—a fresh and authentic sip made with vodka, gin, and Lime LaCroix; and Grapefruit—bringing a sweeter and straightforward taste. Lemon Almond rounds out the offering. Nightclaws are batched each Tuesday in a room next to the bar. The staff mixes, cans, seals, and even hand-labels each unit weekly.
Beyond the canned cocktails, Nighthawk has a pool table, happy hour from 7-8 p.m., and live music. The July lineup features DJ Jonisthewblack on Friday, July 14; Shakedown Strings on Thursday, July 20; Lorna Kay’s One Night Stand on Saturday, July 29; and many more.