Punch, Sour, Fizz: B&O Brasserie Launches Spring Cocktail Menu

With the founder of the Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild at the helm, it’s no surprise that the bar at B&O American Brasserie has become a hotspot for great drinks in the city. For spring, head bartender Brendan Dorr is introducing a new cocktail menu, including, for the first time, “flowing bowls” — punch-style concoctions meant to be shared among friends.

These libations are mixed up in quantities for a quad or more, and average just over $40 each (not bad when split four ways). Chesapeake Punch is a realtively traditional rendition, combining Maker’s Mark, Appleton rum and Cointreau with citrus and bitters. For a light and refreshing sip, try the Wallop To Your Own Beat (it might make you do just that), which spikes rosé and sparkling wine with floral Hangar One “Buddha’s Hand” Citron and other herbal flavors.

The Galavanter, winner of the 2012 Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild “Rye’s Up” cocktail competition, has found its way on the list (Bulleit Rye, St. Germain, Velvet Falernum, grapefruit bitters, dry vermouth), and there’s a beer cocktail, too: the Boxcar Beer #2, which adds the Velvet Falernum to a mix of white ale and cider.

Frothy fizzes for warm weather imbibing make a debut in flavors like the Charm City Fizz (Tanqueray 10, Aperol, maraschino, citrus, cream, egg white) and The Original Martinez — a rum-centric version of the classic martini predecessor, with Flor de Cana, Batavia arrack (an Indonesian rum-like spirit), the unique Dimmi Liquore di Milano (an Italian apertif) shaken up with egg and nutmeg.

All the cocktails run $8–$13, and during weekday happy hour (5–7 PM) a cocktail of the day is available for just $5. So grab a friend (or three) and head to B&O for a seasonal sip to refresh your countenance.