Saltbox Launches Stellar New Cocktail Menu

Drinkers in the know may have already been to Saltbox to visit bartender Jen Queen since she took charge at the Hotel Palomar last month; tonight, the newly-elected head of the San Diego Bartender's Guild begins mixing her new cocktail list in the lobby bar.

Queen, a member of Queen-Conner-Ward Collective (curators of the cocktail programs at Gaijin and Puesto) has solo projects which include concocting the eminently drinkable vermouth at Monello and is known for crafting drinks with a culinary focus.

All of the 16 new drinks on her list contain at least one element that's housemade, from the rooibos tea-infused vodka in her boozy Arnold Palmer, called a John Daly, to the cinnamon back syrup that spices the Cinner's & Sage, a tiki-esque drink with gin and pineapple.

Among her versions of new classics is her twist on a penicillin cocktail, here called a Z-Pack, which blends scotch with nectarine coulis and a bracing dose of ginger puree and lemon; hers gets a float of sweet old vine zinfandel. Queen is also experimenting with different ice formats; her Eyes Wide is flavored and cooled with vanilla beans suspended in ice. The refreshingly dairy-free play on an espresso martini mixes the coffee with anejo tequila, curacao and Italian vermouth.

Look for Queen to start bringing in guest bartenders, and to launch a monthly tiki night in collaboration with Saltbox's kitchen, who will roast a whole pig to pair with her tropical drinks.

Saltbox Bar Menu

· Saltbox Dining & Drinking [Official Site]