Scene and Be Seen
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She’s a pretty Cheeky chick, that Debbi Peek. Any girl that can hang with the good ‘ole boys is fine by me. The art of bartending and the study of mixology has long been a male dominated arena and Peek is kicking ass and taking names.
The accolades run deep: studied under one of her dear friends – Bridget Albert – at the Academy of Spirits and Fine Service, member of the United States Bartenders Guild, competed in international cocktail competitions, former portfolio mixologist for Bacardi USA and was recently honored by the James Beard Foundation as it named her one of the nation’s top female mixologists.
As the new House Mixologist at the Bristol, Peek has reinvigorated the cocktail menu and is putting a personal touch on the drinks.
Her deadline?
Dream up cocktails in time for one of the most celebrated events in Chicago: Whiskey Fest 2010.
She’s already begun showcasing her skill with the Cable Car, a nod to one of her mentors, Tony Abou-Ganim. Named after San Francisco’s famed cable cars, this drink was one of Abou-Ganim’s signature creations as he was a young bartender in the industry. It was originally featured on the cocktail list at Harry Denton’s Starlight Room in San Francisco’s Sir Francis Drake Hotel.
As Peek explained, “It’s just a nice little shout out to Tony.”
The Cable Car features Sailor Jerry rum in place of a Sidecar’s typical cognac to impart a spicy aspect. It’s blended with Citronge orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and served in a cinnamon-sugar rimmed glass for a sweet and spicy accent.
Whiskey lovers will go gaga for her Italian translation of the Manhattan: the Smoked Sicilian Manhattan. Executive Chef Chris Pandel lent a hand by smoking Maker’s Mark over cherry wood to infuse a mild smokiness.
“Instead of vermouth, I use Averno Amaro,” Peek explained.
“It’s a bittersweet Italian digestive with herbal, spicy, citrus flavors,” which add to the Italian theme of the cocktail.
Some of our other favorites are the Sasaparilla, made simply with Knob Creek bourbon and a hint of Goose Island ginger ale, the Shaddock which incorporates Hendrick’s gin, St. Germain, grapefruit juice, basil, and Peychaud’s bitters, and the Rustic Rose which includes Domaine de Canton, Bombay Sapphire, honey-rosemary syrup, and ginger ale.
