Counter Custom burger offers a wide range of cocktails, including spiked milkshakes made to order.
Made-to -Order Mixology Somewhere in-between bars that make cocktails for
the guest and those that allow patrons to mix and shake themselves, is a third option. FIG, a 90-seat neighborhood bistro with an emphasis on local seafood and produce in Charleston, South Carolina, started offering "Make-Your- Own-Manhattans" about a year ago as a way to tweak a classic cocktail with customers' unique spins on it. Guests select from a choice of 15 Bourbons and rye whiskeys, eight vermouths and thirteen types of bitters, with which a bartender shakes or stirs a patron's perfect Manhattan. The drinks are priced from $6 to $26, depending on the whiskey selected. "It's been a great introduction for a number of non- Manhattan drinkers, because they can really tailor the drink to suit their needs," says beverage manager Brooks Reitz. And, he adds, regular Manhattan drinkers appreciate the selection of vermouths—complete with tasting notes and descriptions. "Each changes the drink in wonderful ways." The food concept at The Counter Custom Built Burgers, the
34-chain casual burger restaurant headquartered in Culver City, California, involves guests checking off ingredients from a list to build their perfect burger. So it's only natural that fi ve locations in Northern California have expanded that concept to the bar with the "Build-Your-Own-Cocktail" menu. Similar to the burger menu, cocktails start with one of four base spirits: SKYY Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, El Jimador Tequila or Bacardi Silver Rum. Ingredients including fruit juices, fresh herbs, mixers and garnishes can be added, as well as "Enhancers" like Patrón Citronge and Amaretto. The customized creations are served chilled "Martini Style," or "Lemonade Style" in a tall glass over ice and start at $8, depending on ingredients
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selected. The most popular add-ins have been fresh strawberry and mango purées. "It's a continuation of the elements that people love about The Counter—the ability to interact with the menu, create their own and be creative with their choices," explains vice president of operations Bryan Vicentini. In addition, custom-spiked milkshakes starting at $8.50 are available at the sixteen locations that offer a full bar. A shot of alcohol and one or a combination of seven shake fl avors are added to a base of vanilla ice cream.
At Counter a custom burger can be paired with a custom-spiked milkshake.
