Knoxville, TN really knows how to make a True Russian Ikon Vodka Drink.
Downtown on Gay Street, a classy, mellow joint named
Sapphire serves up strong drinks in a soft, musical atmosphere. Venturing to this bar is a rather unique experience, being the only venue in East Tennessee to serve the Russian-imported IKON Vodka, as well as furnish a plush, blue bed in the corner.
I take a look at the drink menu and contemplate ordering my usual Mojito, but stop my scanning at a drink called the “Confession.” I have to confess I was curious about the concoction in all its sweetness and its utterly strong list of ingredients. The friendly bartender Jared approaches me to take my order. I pause, and then reluctantly, yet excitedly order the “Confession.” He nods his head a few times and smiles.
“You’re a brave girl for trying that Confession,” he says.
The Confession is one part Vanilla Stolichnaya (Stoli), one part Patron Café, then topped off with a Bacardi 151 Float. “So I’m a brave woman?” I ask as he returns with the milky white liquor, filled to the top, on the rocks.
“Take yourself a quick sip.”
I take a long sip…pucker my lips and close my eyes. “Delicious”, I say.
The cream complimented the liquor just right…similar to a White Russian in taste but stronger and without the Kahlua. I felt like “Dude” Lebowski with his drink in hand about to declare how the “rug (in this case the bed) really tied the room together.” It was the kind of drink that gets tamer and sweeter the more your hold it around like an accessory…your hand melting the rocks.
With a bar-full of confession drinkers and a bed, who knows what could happen.
And, hence the name, the drink caused a spur of confessions through the room, mostly friendly, innocent musings about gem stones and a light-hearted, tipsy renditions of CHICAGO’s “All That Jazz” and Ella's "Lady is a Tramp." After the musical serenades with drinks close in hand, I talk to the bartenders and owner Mark about the other drinks on the menu.
The Sapphire Martini at $350 is a “classic martini made with Bombay Sapphire or IKON vodka garnished with a 2.25 carat natural blue sapphire. Yet the cost does hold too many people back from purchasing the dynamite drink. The Sapphire Martini has sold about 12 times since the bar’s opening a year and a half ago. That’s a little less than one blue sapphire a month.
For those patrons not able to drop a few hundred, the novel Sapphire Fizz, invented by bartenders Josh Gilliland and Lydia Rock, is a refreshing azure option made with the new Blueberry Stolichnaya. The Sapphire Fizz, although strong, reminded me of the blueberry Kool-Aid I use to sip in summer as a child, tasting oddly refreshing after experiencing the creamy lather and 151 found in the Confession. The Sapphire Fizz, which is not found on the printed menu, is rather sugary, so if you’re a fan of the bitter or smooth, the drink might be too saccharine for your taste.
Another new beverage not found on the printed menu, but definitely worth a taste (or several), is our namesake 520 Cocktail—and this time it is not 520 proof like the infamous 151. 520 is a scrumptious mix of amaretto, juice from half a lemon, light rum, simple syrup and club soda. Served as a martini or on the rocks in a low ball with a twist, this drink is an exuberant addition to the signature “Confession” and “Sapphire Fizz,” and will not only get you ready to confess your heart out, but also inspire you to frequent your favorite nightlife calendar Knoxville520.com!
Make your own at home with these ingredients::
Confession One part Vanilla Stoli, one part Patron Café topped with a Bacardi 151 float
Sapphire Fizz 1.5 oz Blueberry Stoli, lime juice, simple syrup, blue curcao (with tilda), splash of soda
Sapphire Martini Bombay Sapphire or IKON vodka garnished with a 2.25 carat natural blue sapphire
520 Amaretto, juice from half a lemon, light rum, simple syrup and club soda
Other Sapphire favorites: Sam’s Preferred
Lychee Martini
Banana Split
Lady Macbeth
El Matador
Rockstar
Sidecar
orginally posted in
http://blogs.knoxville520.com
