COCKTAILS AT SALT
Q&A WITH ALEX MONTOYA

There aren’t that many things better than enjoying a good drink with a killer view and at SALT at Marina Del Rey Hotel, it’s hard to beat a good cocktail in hand while looking out at the beautiful marina view.

Restaurant Manager Alex Montoya has put together an impressive cocktail menu that includes The Classics (think Sazerac, Negroni, Daiquiri) as we as what he calls “Crafted for you” drinks where the bar staff makes libations with attention to all the details. The Woody Barrelson—think barrel aged Negroni—the B.O.C. (Breakfast of Champions)—a lovely whiskey drink with bacon and an coffee ice rock—and the In Bloom—a mighty mix of mezcal, tequila and pineapple liqueur—are among my favorites.

What follows is a cocktail conversation with Alex Montoya about SALT’S cool cocktails, its impressive small batch program and where the craft is headed.

How did you approach your cocktail menu at SALT?
My goal for SALT’S drink menu was to create a diverse menu with a broader spectrum of spirits, fresh season ingredients, and modifiers like syrups, herbs, and liqueurs.  I also wanted to keep the menu simple.  I believe that some programs are overly complicated and time consuming.  At the end of the day, like most menus, my goal was to create something balanced and different.

What’s more popular, The Classics or The Crafted for you cocktails?
It’s a fairly close race.  People still love Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, but the Crafted for you selection is more popular.  As much as people enjoy The Classics, I think they’re more inclined to try something new and different.

You lost me using Makers Mark in your Old Fashioned but you do have a good selection of spirits in your cocktails.  What’s your most popular spirit and is that representative of your cocktail program?
I can’t say that there is a most popular spirit, but as far as using Makers Mark in our Old Fashioned, that is not the standard.  Our program is designed to allow the guest to pick their own favorite spirit and apply that to their favorite cocktail.  Although Makers Mark is a great whiskey, my goal is to steer people away from what they know and open them up to something that they’re not accustomed to.  I never want to be known as a one trick pony.

I really liked the In Bloom, B.O.C., and Woody Barrelson cocktails, what were you aiming with those drinks?
For the In Bloom, I was looking for an approachable cocktail that also features mezcal.  I think mezcal is one of those hidden versatile gems that most people aren’t familiar with. It’s smoky, delicious and unique depending on the area or village that it comes from in Mexico.

The B.O.C. (Breakfast of Champions) is just that: breakfast in a glass.  The marriage of maple syrup, walnut bitters, and rye whiskey is like pancakes on your plate.  The coffee ice cube, bacon, and orange peel are also just like morning sides.

The Woody Barrelson is a barrel aged twist on a classic Negroni cocktail.  The addition of wood gives the cocktail a different dimension as far as roundness and flavor.  The mindset behind this cocktail was chocolate.  I believe chocolate and Campari go hand in hand so that is why I used chocolate bitters.  Instead of sweet vermouth, I chose Cherry Heering.  The outcome from these ingredients was a tad sweet, so I added mezcal to round it out and give a smoky note.  Of course, the base is still gin.

Your small batches are very nice.  How much of that do you want to do?  Also, are the strictly for sipping or would you ever use them in cocktails?
I definitely want to continue batching, especially if it gets the guest a drink quicker.  The barrel age trend is exciting because it’s another fun tool to work with behind the bar.  As far as sipping or in cocktails, I prefer to sip.  Sipping means to savor longer, and I think everyone is searching for that kind of experience.

What do you hope someone takes away from their cocktail experience at SALT?
I hope our guests enjoy the drinks just as much as the food.  In the end, I hope people walk away revitalized and refreshed, only to start planning their next visit to SALT.

SALT is located at Marina Del Rey Hotel at 13534 Bali Way in Marina del Rey.  Call 310-301-1000.

Story by Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy of: SALT