The Classic

INGREDIENTS: Brandy, triple sec, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, Luxardo cherry, $8

Being new to Bellingham, I’ve been looking for places that speak to me. The Cabin Tavern is one such place. Walking in, music plays at a perfect level. Old antlers adorn the walls and set the tone. I ask about a drink unique to this joint. Owner Christian Danielson tells me of the night researching cocktails with friends. They came across a deck of thrift-store drink recipe cards. In the deck was the recipe for The Classic. I was intrigued. I heard something about brandy, triple sec, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and I nodded.

There’s a certain balance between the citrus and the sweetness that this drink has going for it. Sipping it, I watched clusters of folks talking and grabbing drinks, while Southern Culture on the Skids plays in the background. Then it seeps in, and wow — it hits on a few different levels. The finish, the Luxardo cherry at the bottom, really grounds it. Like the place, the drink is exactly how it should be. Well-crafted, without trying to be.

307 W. Holly St., Bellingham
360.733.9685
"I was intrigued. I heard something about brandy, triple sec, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and I nodded. "