In Fine Spirits

Since the Super Bowl, you may have noticed that some of the city’s wine-and-beer–only restaurants now stash small selections of brown and white liquor bottles behind their bars. A lucky group of restaurateurs had the chance to upgrade their liquor licenses for a steal, and it is making us rather thirsty.

At H2O Restaurant & Sushi Bar (1912 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-254-0677), bartenders are serving up fine classic cocktails, including the clever ginger-lemon concoction, Ginger Not Mary Anne. Black Market (922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-822-6757) now offers five spirits: scotch, Kentucky bourbon, cognac, mezcal, and aged rums (or rhums), neat or on-the-rocks. Zest! Exciting Food Creations (1134 E 54th St, 317- 466-1853) now offers potions and classics like a VIP, botanical vodka, creme de violette, fresh lemon syrup, topped with Cava Avinyo Brut and a Very Old Fashioned with Backbone Uncut Bourbon, fresh ginger syrup, orange slice, and the Bitter Truth Orange Bitters. Recess and Room Four (4907 N. College Ave., 317-925-7529) now keep a small selection of fine spirits behind the bar (though no cocktails are made). The restaurants launched the program in early March and will  likely offer spirits either on the rocks or with cola, tonic, etc.