I never saw myself as a “beer” person, but if I’m being honest, I am. Maybe it’s nature, growing up in Wisconsin and all, or maybe it’s hanging out with countless beer aficionados – but more often than not, beer is my drink of choice.
(For the record, I’m not talking about anything produced by “The Big Three”.)
But yet I find myself drawn to craft cocktails, perhaps thanks to the craft cocktail movement that has slowly but surely establishing a presence in the local bar scene —and not just in Milwaukee. Thanks to some of my favorite Alterra customers, who also happen to be bartenders at Hotel Foster, if I’m going to drink a cocktail, it has to be spectacular and consist of much more than a rail liquor with a mixer.
Much to my surprise, The Hamilton—where craft cocktails rein supreme—has been hiding right underneath my nose, a mere five-minute drive from my house. Being a bit of a typography nerd, the classy cursive typeface used to spell out the bar’s name was all I needed to know I was in for a real treat.
Front and center when you step inside are striking pops of royal blue and gold from the large velvet drapery that hangs throughout. Despite the fact that the walls are painted a dark neutral gray, the place is filled with light—though I imagine as the sun sets, The Hamilton dims and transforms into a sultry nightlife locale, perfect for a post-dinner date or a night out with an intimate group of friends.
The décor is a swanky yet laidback hodge podge of vintage upholstered furniture and funky artwork. With the way the seating areas are arranged, it almost feels as if there are separate rooms within the structure, allowing for a degree of privacy from other patrons.
Saddling up to the bar, where the most plush bar stools I’ve ever seen awaited, the bartender, Ryan, immediately struck up a conversation, kicked off by the “I Voted” sticker displayed on my shirt. Both he and the owner, Kim, who happened to be sitting at the bar as well, were congenial and approachable, and we talked about many things—the cocktails and their development, the bar itself, other bars and bartenders in Milwaukee and more.
Wading through their craft cocktail list is no easy task for a number of reasons. One: They all sound positively scrumptious, perhaps partially because some of them have ingredients I’ve never even heard of, which instantly makes them sound exotic and desirable. Two: During The Hamilton’s happy hour (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), these expertly crafted cocktails only run for $6 a piece, a far cry from their normal price tag of $11 (essentially, a 2-for-1 deal).
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This might just be the steal of the century, folks. To put it into perspective, you can pay at least $6 for a vodka cranberry or Jack and Coke, made with rail alcohol and slapped together in two seconds, just about anywhere.
As I scanned the ingredient list for each cocktail, it didn’t take long for me to determine what my first drink would be, based solely, I admit, on a few bizarre elements that caught my eye. The Violette Fizz contains “Bombay Sapphire, Creme de Violette, lemon, egg white, bee pollen, [and] sparkling wine” – and now you can see why I chose it. What resulted was a light and fizzy citrus cocktail, with a light floral taste at the end of each sip—and who knew bee pollen was bitter? Not me, until I got to the end of this drink.
The Cobblestone Court cocktail is also not to be missed. But three simple ingredients—Rehort Citrust and Honey Vodka, coupled with fresh raspberries and blackberries muddled in limejuice—for a drink so tasty is a feat in and of itself. Garnished with orange peels to add to the already brightly colored pink liquid, this fruity beverage is the epitome of summer in a glass.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax after work on a sun filled patio or a private place to entertain a few friends or family, The Hamilton’s attention to detail and inviting ambiance—or at the very least, their tasty craft cocktails—will surely have you coming back more than once.
I think I may have just found the first bar where I wouldn’t mind being “a regular.”
