Cavaña ’ s rum-based Caña Parchita cocktail .
Innovative Independent Beverage Program :
CAVAÑA
Serving Up the Flavors of South America
BEFORE OPENING CAVAÑA IN JANUARY 2023 , the management team took an in-depth South American research trip to understand the deep-rooted history of various Latin cultures . The rooftop bar and lounge at the Luma Hotel San Francisco has used that experience to create a beverage program that ’ s infused with Latin American spirit and vibrancy .
The expansive and well-curated selection of spirits includes high-end and imported mezcals , tequilas , piscos , gins and rum . Cavaña ’ s beverage director Emilio Salehi , bar manager Miguel Salehi and co-owner and managing partner Anthony Parks approached the program in a modern yet accessible way , showcasing native and unique Latin ingredients such as feijoa , yerba mate , mole , purple corn , uchuva , hoja santa and more .
CELEBRATING LATIN AMERICAN CULTURE
“ At Cavaña , we ’ re passionate about Latin American culture and want to celebrate it with the world . That ' s why we created a space where you can come to experience the best of Latin American food , spirits , flavor , music and hospitality ,” Parks says .
“ We draw our inspiration from a variety of sources , but the vibrant flavors of Latin America are always at the heart of everything we do ,” he adds . “ We love to find unique and unexpected pairings , such as coconut and coffee , charred corn and pasilla chile , or sweet peppers with cactus . We also take inspiration from classic Latin American cocktails and recipes , which serve as guiding ideas for our menu .”
Cavaña celebrates the spirits of central and South America with its expansive collection of sugar-cane and agave distillates . The bar boasts natural wines from Chile , Argentina , Spain and California . The bottle service is an experience resembling that of a sommelier , with tableside preparation of assorted seasonal fruits , agua frescas and house-made pairing salts .
The restaurant takes a contemporary and innovative approach to cocktails , enhancing its energetic social atmosphere . Drinks such as the Palo Mandarina , with
Mexico City gin , mandarin , palo santo and goldenberry , the Kiwi Hoja , with Bolivian brandy , mezcal , kiwi , hoja santa , lime and milk clarified , and others , do not disappoint .
DARING MENUS POSE CHALLENGES
While developing and implementing the cocktail menu , Parks notes that they faced quite a bit of self-inflicted challenges by using lesser-known ingredients . Applying an aromatic wood like palo santo in a Martini-style cocktail sounds like an exciting idea on the surface , but there was planty of trial and error for the Cavaña team to get this drink right .
“ Another challenge was sourcing some of the ingredients we wanted to use . For example , we had a hard time finding a steady supply of hoja santa , a Mexican herb we use for our Kiwi Hoja cocktail ,” says Parks . “ We were initially sourcing it from the backyard of a local culinary professor . Being creative and using lesser-known ingredients isn ’ t always convenient , but it ’ s always been worth it to us .”
Cavaña offers substance beyond the beautiful views , with a carefully curated beverage program and a passionate team that delivers a memorable and high-value experience . Each visit is an opportunity to discover a new Latin-inspired musical talent or favorite libation , capturing the attention of both new and returning guests . – K S
www . cheersonline . com Winter 2023 • Cheers 15