The Buckeye State, Cowtown, Arch City… call Columbus anything you want; the people are one in a million and the bars have no difficulty finding their niche. Arch City Tavern in the Short North is a representation of Columbus’s history, and an excellent spot to grab a drink.
Moscow Mule
Absolut Vodka, Roake, Ginger and Fresh Lime Juice
There’s no such thing as too much lime in my drinks; the trouble is finding a spot that dares to go on the brink of delighting the senses. The ever-popular Moscow mule, however, took my lust for lime and played its magic.
It’s the ginger that will blow you away. Breathe in, breathe out – follow the rules from the bartender, not the yoga instructor. Light, smoky, and a little irresistible, flavors ginger and lime have never made a better pair, and it’s all yours to enjoy, whether you choose to be in rural Cowtown or the glamorous 614. “[Roake] makes it more tart, makes it more sweet,” Jason, the head bartender, says.
Jason gives credit where credit is due: “All of our speciality drinks revolve around two things: Nicoline Schwartz, a local mixologist. She’s created drinks for Rossi, Latitude 41, MoJoe [Lounge], Rigsby’s Kitchen and for [Arch City Tavern]. [The second thing is] roake, a syrup tonic company she started.” Roake gives drinks an air of on-trend freshness with a little bit of sweet airiness that dissipates in every drink. Cue the perfect complement to the freshness of roake: Arch City’s Great Southern Margarita.
Great Southern Margarita
Altos Tequila, St. Germain, Roake Cinnamon, Sage, Yuzu, Tonic and Citrus
Pretty please, with a cinnamon stick on top, try this margarita. You’ll thank me later.
Organization can be a beautiful thing; margaritas by the pool, cinnamon in the fall. Merge the two, take a seat and you’ve set yourself up for an evening of success. Arch City Tavern keeps cocktails simple and predictable, yet knows how to please those looking for a quality drink.
Margaritas have been around for less than a century, but what used to be a chance for tequila to grab the spotlight has now become a cocktail embellished with too much tequila drowned in too much sweet and sour. This margarita takes hint from anyone looking to relax by adding the ideal touch: a cinnamon stick right on top.
Spring Tipple
Watershed Vodka, Lemon, Cranberry, Grapefruit & Ace Cider
Jason calls this one the people-pleaser. Beer lovers won’t shy away from diving in head first for this cocktail. Coke, pepsi, or whatever your choice of “soda pop” may be, won’t stand any chance against this fruity, carbonated drink. It’s for the ones who want the slightest hint of alcohol to await them, for those who like their beer nice and easy, and for those who want something new. Spring Tipple offers it all.
Whether it’s looking to breed originality or remain in the harbor of Columbus natives, Arch City Tavern knows where it’s headed. Margaritas are smooth, Moscow mules are a breeze, and Spring Tipples are, well, for everyone. And no matter where Arch City Tavern ends up, it’s safe to say it’s found the right spot.
