Mike's Mix: The Exchange Nightclub & Alibi Lounge

Fall is right around the corner and, while there's still time to enjoy a patio, Mike's Mix is previewing new indoor choices for the cooler weather. There's something for the beer geeks this week as he heads downstairs from the Pourhouse in Minneapolis to The Alibi Lounge, a place that took its name from a lying barber and a gangster.

A Lovely Exchange

Ingredients
1.5 oz. Pisco (white South American Brandy)
.75 oz. Peach brandy
.75 oz. Fresh lemon juice
.50 oz. Agave syrup
1.0 oz Fresh strawberry juice*

Directions
Shake and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a strawberry and a lavender spritz.

* The entire drink was built around the fresh strawberry juice, so it's pretty vital. If you don't have access to cold-pressed strawberry juice (like from AgraCulture, as the bar uses), you could try muddling 3-5 strawberries for substitute. Double-strain the drink to remove the pulp.

The Cascade

Ingredients
2.5 oz. hop infused Aviv Vodka
.5 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
.5 oz. Cointreau
.5 oz Apricot brandy

Directions
Stirred and strained into a martini glass. Garnish with an infused hop.

About Alibi Lounge

Bar Chef Tim Schaaf's cocktail menu is a mix of classics and crazy concoctions. (Tip: A free app for iPhones and Android devices called Tap Bueno will allow you to skip the $5 cover charge, and get express entry into The Exchange Nightclub and Alibi Lounge.)