Modern Moonshine: Cocktail Inspiration

Sweetwater Cocktails, a new spinoff from the culinary masterminds at the Très L.A. Group, brings an interesting twist to libations at parties throughout Southern California. With decidedly vintage tastes, Sweetwater finds its roots in the Prohibition-era style of merriment. Sweetie was the original nickname of the founders’ Ford AA truck, which once belonged to the notorious racketeer, bookie and bootlegger Charlie Crawford, and transported alcohol distilled in Sweetwater, Arizona, during Prohibition. These days, the word Sweetwater has less scandalous connotations, but it still stirs up just as much fun as it once did. Among its signature cocktails is the namesake Sweetwater, featuring tequila, St-Germain, lemon and rosemary. The Floral Fizz is a concoction of chamomile- and elderflower- infused vodka with lemon, Thai chile and eucalyptus bitters. And if you’re feeling especially adventurous, there’s the Medellín, which is a blend of mezcal, crème de cacao, Colombian coffee and Mexican chocolate bitters, all topped off with an orange peel flambé. Sweetie, the cocktail truck, is also available to make an appearance as a mobile bar to inject some character and history into your reception or cocktail hour.