Scott & Co. is debuting a new cocktail menu next week and a sneak peak showed a focus on bright, exotic flavors, bitter liqueurs and an egg white or two. Overall, the menu seemed well-suited for spring and summer drinking, with most options being shaken, light and juicy drinks that range in price from $10 to $14. 

During the tasting, bartender Rik Evans explained that many of the cocktail's elements are crafted especially for the drinks. This includes a pipe tobacco-infused tincture, macadamia orgeat, roasted coconut water syrup, and a plum sauce made with soy sauce for a savory kick.

Several of the drinks included saline drops to balance flavors and mellow out some of the more bitter components. This technique was most aptly utilized in the Giant Slayer, a drink made by Matt Martinez that was one of the day's best offerings. The bold drink combined coffee-infused Dewars, Ardbeg Islay scotch, Cherry Heering, Creme de Cacao, saline and an entire egg. 

One of the event's most unexpected standouts was the Slow Slipper, which was green in color with a bright green screwpine milk float that reminded me instantly of Hi-C's Ghostbuster-themed Ecto-Cooler. (Bring back Ecto-Cooler, Hi-C!) With a sweet base of Mt. Gay rum and Giffard banana liqueur, the drink was balanced out by a lovely roasted coconut water syrup. The cocktail looked absolutely nothing like it tasted, showcasing the playfulness of the new menu.

There were definitely a few other drinks that had tiki elements too. The Shore Leave used arrack, Evans' plum sauce, Cocchi Barolo and a rosemary tincture. Topped with club soda, the drink, which could've been intense and heavy, was light and refreshing with a depth on the back. The Loki's Travel was an interesting blend of aquavit, green Chartreuse, macadamia orgeat, pineapple juice, lime juice and a tobacco tincture. Served over crushed ice, the drink started sweet and bright—almost like cotton candy, but finished more complex once diluted. 

Although not all of the cocktails exhibited a strong balance of flavor, the menu as a whole was a work in experimentation, getting back to what Scott & Co. became known for in this town. For a bar that kickstarted the careers of many of the town's top folks behind the stick, it's nice to see the small speakeasy-like spot carrying on the tradition and pulling in and nurturing new talent.

You can check out Scott & Co.'s new cocktail menu beginning next week at 49 N. Scott Ave. The bar is open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. until midnight and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m.