At Goods for Cooks they know how to point you to the right bitters, garnishes and gadgets to help you elevate your favorite libation. This roundup of crafty concoctions and add-ons takes everything from gin to sparkling water and makes it that much better. Hungry, thirsty or just curious for more? Head to Bloomington and find it all at Goods for Cooks—including knowledgeable staff to guide you (see their picks below). Find their visit-worthy store at 115 N. College Ave., Bloomington, or go to GoodsForCooks.comto browse at your leisure.
JILL’S PICK: BITTERMILK
Jill’s first experience on a food vacation in Charleston, South Carolina, led her to Bittermilk. It’s a charred grapefruit tonic syrup with salt that hits all the right notes when paired with gin, and a splash adds depth to even sparkling water. Find endless recipes at Bittermilk.com.
GEORGE’S PICK: BITTERS
Bitters are having a moment in the sun and for good reason. They are that secret ingredient in a cocktail, adding flavor with just a few dashes. But don’t limit their use to your cocktails. Try infusing soda water, even add a dash or two to your morning coffee. Bitters liven up vinaigrettes, marinades and more. George loves Bennett Bitters, a line that offers beautiful packaging and unusual flavors—and yes, the Scorpion Bitters have a real scorpion floating in the bottle! Make it a complete gift with a linen bar towel and dasher bottle.
SAM’S PICK: ZERO-PROOF REVOLUTION
Drink rituals are a wonderful way to carve out a special moment in the day. The trend toward choices that do not contain caffeine or alcohol has birthed a revolution in artisanal mixers, elixirs and distilled non-alcoholic options. Sam likes a Pimm’s Cup, but when she’s looking for an alternative, she reaches for Seedlip Spice 94 to mix with ginger beer or the rich, calming vibes of Three Spirit Nightcap to end her day.
STEVE’S PICK: CHERRIES
If you’ve visited the shop when Steve is around, he likely spread a selection of boozy cherries in front of you and walked you through a taste test. Whether they are brandied or bourboned, Maraschino or Amarena, good for garnish or snacking, Steve has you covered. Try not to limit yourself, please. Use them over ice cream, in your baked goods or even to create a more upscale Cherry Coke.
GOODS FOR COOKS FAVORITE: CORKCICLES
With these shop favorites, you will never again suffer a watered-down cocktail or soda, a warm glass of bubbles or a tepid hot toddy again. Corkcicles are wonderful at both heat retention and keeping things cold, and we mean COLD. Sam is a slow sipper and no summer cocktail gets ruined with her tumbler in hand. Tiffany covets her chilled bubbles and favors the insulated flutes, and Traci keeps her beloved tea hot for her entire shift with her insulated mug.