Pasadena, CA – As the California summer descends on the Pasadena foothills, changing from cool winds to warm, it also brings with it a changing of hands behind the Magnolia House bar. The tranquil and cozy bungalow known for tasty small plates and craft cocktails, welcomes its newest resident, Bar Manager Brian Klemm, who is shaking up the season with an action packed Summer Cocktail Menu for all to enjoy, sip and savor beginning Wednesday, August 12th, 2015.
“We are very excited to have Brian as our newest addition to the family,” says Partner and Owner John Bicos. “He is very creative and passionate about what he does, and it shines through in every cocktail he has created. He is truly a great fit for our team.”
There is no question that the Indiana native loves what he does and his cocktails truly exemplify his talent and adoration for the craft. Studious and grounded, Klemm has been mixing up cocktails in Los Angeles for the past eight years, working at such hot spots as Los Balcones and Spear, as well as most recently running his own mobile bartending service which boasted farm fresh craft cocktails onsite at private events.
“Colin Shearn did an amazing job of setting the bar standard high here, and right now I am just trying to massage what he has done, as I settle in,” says Klemm about his bar manager predecessor. And Klemm is truly “unpacking,” creatively with five new craft cocktails that will make everyone happy he is making himself at home.
Perhaps one of the most stunning cocktails he is shaking up behind the stick is the Marigolds At Magnolia. This frothy concoction of pisco, fresh lemon juice, marigold syrup, honey, rose water spray and a vibrant garnish of yellow and orange marigolds is served in a coupe, exuding a daintily elegant deliciousness that you can see and taste.
One-of-a-kind and truly a drink to write home about, Notes From Granny is a genuine expression of Klemm’s ingenious talent. Served on ice in a blue-lipped white mug, this inventive cocktail is crafted with gin, a Granny Smith apple juice mixture of lemon and cucumber with pinches of basil and mint, then garnished with a creamy cube of blue cheese (perfect for pairing) and a handwritten note from none other than Granny Smith. “Each note is individualized to the guest and contains greetings or fun advice from Granny Smith,” says Klemm. For instance: “Frankie (Sinatra) says ‘alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy,’ so I spiked your apple juice. Love Granny Smith.”
From inspiring granny notes to ripe and flavorful notes of the season, The American Dream may be as close to summer as it gets if it were liquid in a glass. This vibrant, eye-catching cocktail which Klemm calls “simple and clean,” bleeds in refreshing bright red color (and taste) and is mixed with fresh strawberry-infused bourbon, lemon, simple syrup and mint.
Klemm has also added a new spirit to the Magnolia House menu, which is being mixed up in a signature cocktail called El Fugitivo, which contains raspberry-infused Revel avila, Amaretto, cacao, lime juice, a dash of anise, and mint. Although not technically classified as tequila, avila is harvested from the Weber Blue Agave plant, which is similar in flavor, but exceptionally smoother with the way Klemm is shaking it up. A true diamond in the rough (or agave plant in the desert perhaps?) this agave spirit cannot be found anywhere else in Los Angeles.
Luscious and dreamy, Mag House’s Badass Coffee is a creamy elixir of rum, Ancho Reyes chili, cinnamon, cream, and coffee with a Holland red chili garnish, which can be found under the Desserts section of the menu (although, we would suggest sipping on this scrumptious cocktail morning, noon and night!) Shaken up tableside in a silver thermos, slightly resembling that canteen you pack for a summertime camping trip, this balanced drink with a hint of spice is so delicious, it goes without saying: Once you go “badass,” you will never want to go back to your boring morning java routine!
As for popular favorites that will remain on the menu, Klemm will continue to craft five pre-existing cocktails originally created by Colin Shearn, including the Everyday Sunshine with vodka, pineapple, raspberry, lime, Aperol and Vermouth and the fragrant Mendocino Sour mixed with bourbon, Amontillado sherry, lemon, rooibos tea and lavender. The refreshingly spicy Wicked Game shaken up with gin, jalapeño, watermelon, honey, lemon and Vermouth is still available, and lumbering woodsmen (and those who love scotch-based libations) will be happy to know that The Lumberjack’s Breakfast made with blended scotch, apple brandy, maple and cardamom syrup, lemon and egg whites is here to stay. Rounding out the menu, the tropical Crown City with rye, Jamaican rum, bitter orange, cacao, banana and bitters is still present and boasting a little Pasadena pride
Patrons will be happy to know that the creativity continues to flow Monday through Friday during Neighborhood Hour from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm where Klemm comes up with a clever Cocktail of the Moment flanked by discounted beers, wines and bar bites.
“The bar is a place where we try to focus specifically on hospitality and educating our guests about what goes into their glass,” says Klemm. “With that comes a great responsibility: the cocktails must be spot on. We really care about the overall guest experience, and because of this, we make sure their experience is spot on as well.”
From a delightful interaction with “Granny” to a rebellious “Cup of Joe” and everything in between, there is a different experience to be had with each sip off the new Summer Cocktail Menu at Magnolia House. So as the days continue to get hotter, cool down on the patio with a cocktail from Klemm, and bask in the glory of a well-deserved drink!
Magnolia House is open from 4:00 pm to Midnight every Monday through Wednesday, 4:00 pm to 2:00 am on Thursday and Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 am on Saturday, and 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sunday. For more information, please visit www.TheMagHouse.com or call Magnolia House directly at 626.584.1126.
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