Von’s Favorite Cocktails & Drinks

Von’s Favorite Cocktails is a celebrated feature of both the Seattle and Woodinville restaurants, demonstrating a passion for mixology that combines classic technique with a Pacific Northwest flair. The selection in Seattle is influenced by the city’s vibrant, cosmopolitan energy, featuring bold, innovative drinks. Meanwhile, in Woodinville, renowned for its wine country, the cocktail offerings have a rustic charm. Favorites include the “Smoked Oak & Cherry Manhattan,” showcasing our local whiskey. Both restaurants exemplify Von’s commitment to locally sourced, high-quality ingredients and creative mixology, presenting guests with a truly unique cocktail experience that captures the spirit of their respective locales.

1. Smoked Oak & Cherry Manhattan

Bar Boss™ Bourbon’s affinity for charred oak and smoke is an idyllic pair with Mulassano Rosso and brandied cherries. Smoked tableside. The Smoked Oak & Cherry Manhattan is a contemporary reimagination of a classic cocktail, brimming with character and depth. At its foundation is the sturdy embrace of oak-infused whiskey, a spirit marked by its rich, smoky flavor profile that adds a robust base note to the cocktail. This smokiness is then further amplified by an expertly orchestrated tableside smoking process, turning this Manhattan variant into a multi-sensory spectacle. But what truly sets this blend apart is the subtle sweetness of cherries. Whether muddled into the cocktail or simply used as a garnish, the cherries add a luscious twist to the otherwise strong, woody flavors, invoking a delightful contrast that sparks intrigue with each sip. This Smoked Oak & Cherry Manhattan is not merely a cocktail, but an intimate exploration of flavors — an audacious dance between the warm depth of smoked oak, the comforting familiarity of Manhattan’s vermouth and bitters, and the tantalizingly sweet whispers of cherry. It’s a narrative of taste, one that weaves nostalgia and innovation into a drinking experience that’s as unforgettable as it is satisfying.

2. Barrel Aged Leather Bound

Bar Boss™ Bourbon, aromatic applewood salt, bitters, brandied cherries, orange. The Barrel Aged Leather Bound Bourbon cocktail is a sophisticated amalgamation of flavors that reflects a deep respect for the time-honored traditions of mixology, while still daring to push the boundaries of the familiar. The cocktail’s foundation is a beautifully smooth, barrel-aged leather bound bourbon, a spirit that whispers tales of time and patience with each sip, its intricate notes of caramel, vanilla, and charred oak seamlessly intertwined with a rich, earthy undertone of leather. The cocktail is then accentuated with aromatic applewood salt, which adds a smoky complexity, heightening the bourbon’s inherent richness while introducing an intriguing savory note. Classic bitters provide the necessary counterbalance, their gentle bitterness smoothing out the cocktail’s richness and creating an exquisitely balanced profile. The addition of brandied cherries and a twist of orange peel introduces a surprising fruitiness, their sweet and citrusy notes providing a vibrant contrast that cuts through the smoky depth, resulting in a cocktail that is harmoniously complex, layered, and utterly captivating. Each sip of the Barrel Aged Leather Bound Bourbon cocktail is a sensory exploration of tradition and innovation, a narrative of flavors that is as engaging as it is delicious.

3. Von’s Uncommon Vesper

Your Bond girl martini; Bar Boss™ Vodka, watermelon cucumber mint gin, rosé vermouth and fresh cucumber. Crafted for elegance and a lingering taste of adventure, the “Your Bond Girl” martini is an exquisite blend of audacity and sophistication, a cocktail that is truly emblematic of the modern femme fatale. At its heart is the smooth, premium Bar Boss™ Vodka, a spirit known for its subtle undertones and crisp finish. What follows is an artful mingling of watermelon cucumber mint gin, a nuanced concoction that delivers an invigorating jolt of freshness, its fruity notes intertwining perfectly with the cool zest of cucumber and the refreshing kick of mint. A dash of rosé vermouth lends a touch of luxurious sweetness, a testament to the charm and allure of this high-spirited blend. The cocktail is garnished with a slice of fresh cucumber, an unassuming hint at the depth of flavors packed within. With each sip of the “Your Bond Girl” martini, you dive deeper into a world of stylish decadence and thrilling escapades, very much akin to the mesmerizing universe of 007 himself.

4. Espresso Martini

Bar Boss™ Vodka, chilled dark Creme de Cacao, Kahlua coffee liqueur, crème anglaise and High Brew espresso. This cocktail features vodka, chilled dark Crème de Cacao, Kahlua coffee liqueur, crème anglaise, and High Brew espresso is a celebration of smooth contrasts and harmonious fusion. This enchanting concoction begins with the clean crispness of vodka, a neutral spirit that provides an ideal canvas for the other ingredients to unfold their character. Dark Crème de Cacao adds a rich, chocolatey note that warms and tantalizes the palate, while the Kahlua coffee liqueur introduces a deliciously complex layer of roasted coffee flavors. A dash of crème anglaise, a staple in French dessert cuisine known for its velvety sweetness, lends an indulgent creaminess that balances the cocktail’s intense flavors perfectly. The final flourish is a shot of High Brew espresso. Its rich, bold profile adds depth to the drink and complements the subtle sweetness of the other components. This exquisite blend presents a delightful dance of flavors – the bitterness of espresso, the sweetness of chocolate and cream, and the robustness of vodka – each sip revealing a new dimension to this masterful cocktail, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a drink with a bit of adventure and sophistication.

5. Little Yuzu Flower

Bar Boss™ Gin, Yuzu marmalade, fresh citrus and a pop of red boba. The Little Yuzu Flower Gin cocktail, punctuated with yuzu marmalade, fresh citrus, and a pop of red boba, is a refreshing, delightful blend that’s as charming in its aesthetics as it is tantalizing on the palate. The core of this vibrant cocktail is Little Yuzu Flower Gin, a spirit redolent with botanicals and the unmistakable zingy essence of yuzu – a citrus fruit that merges the tartness of grapefruit with overtones of mandarin orange. Stirred into this is a dollop of yuzu marmalade, which lends a satisfyingly sweet tang, while freshly squeezed citrus adds a bright acidity that heightens the yuzu’s inherent freshness. But the true surprise of this concoction lies in the playful addition of red boba – chewy, sweet spheres that burst with flavor and add a delightful contrast in texture. This bevy of components creates an effervescent cocktail experience that’s both familiar and exotic, the citrusy sourness beautifully balanced by the sweet, fruity spheres. With every sip of the Little Yuzu Flower Gin cocktail, one is transported into a blossoming citrus orchard, the taste an irresistible invitation to enjoy the fleeting, beautiful moment of yuzu in full bloom.

6. The Sour Boss

Bar Boss Gin™, egg white, citrus, orgeat, Angostura bitters. The Sour Boss Gin™ cocktail is a harmonious blend that beautifully marries the bold, the sweet, and the tart. This drink is a true showcase of the versatility of Bar Boss Gin™, a gin that carries an appealingly sharp edge that gives the cocktail its robust, flavor-packed foundation. The egg white adds an elegant silkiness to the mix, transforming the cocktail into a smooth, frothy delight that’s a joy to sip. A squeeze of fresh citrus brings a zesty punch to the mix, its brightness offsetting the gin’s sourness and heightening the overall freshness of the cocktail. The orgeat, an almond-based syrup, introduces a subtly sweet nuttiness that softens the tart citrus, creating a splendidly balanced flavor profile. The Angostura bitters, with their rich, botanical complexity, add the final touch to this symphony of flavors, their warming notes enhancing the cocktail’s depth and complexity. The Sour Boss cocktail is a multi-layered sensory experience, a vibrant celebration of contrasts that engages and enthralls with every sip.

7. Hula Hula Punch

A Bar Boss™ Bourbon punch with Aperol, coconut rum and a blend of tropical juices. Sparkled tableside. The Hula Hula Punch, bourbon imbued with Aperol, coconut rum, and a blend of tropical juices, sparkled to perfection, is a radiant cocktail that telegraphs the taste of a tropical summer. This vivacious concoction leads with a generous pour of bourbon, lending the drink a rich, smoky depth that forms the backbone of its flavor profile. The Aperol steps in to introduce a wonderful bitterness and a slight sweetness, imbuing the cocktail with a tantalizing zest that harmoniously blends with the bourbon. The coconut rum further adds an exotic twist, its sweet, tropical notes adding an element of whimsy and imparting a breezy, beach-like feel to the punch. The ensemble is perfectly balanced with a blend of tropical juices, their natural sweetness and acidity creating a vibrant symphony of flavors that dances on the palate. The drink is then topped off with a touch of sparkle, adding a light, effervescent quality that lifts the flavors and makes each sip feel like a mini celebration. The Hula Hula Punch is truly a tropical delight, a drink that brings together the warmth of bourbon, the exoticism of tropical juices, and the sparkle of a party, creating a cocktail experience that’s as vibrant as a summer sunset.

8. Hot Meloncita

A sweet & spicy Brazilian treat; Velho Barreiro Cachaça, Lillet Blanc, watermelon syrup, fresh limes, jalapenos and a sugared rim. The Hot Meloncita cocktail is a thrilling taste adventure that transports you to the vibrant streets of Brazil. At the heart of this delightful concoction is the Velho Barreiro Cachaça, a traditional Brazilian spirit known for its potent, sugarcane-driven flavors that set the stage for the ensuing symphony of taste. Lillet Blanc is then introduced, adding a layer of aromatic complexity and a hint of sweet and citrusy zest. The watermelon syrup infuses the cocktail with a sweet, fruity buoyancy that is both refreshing and nostalgic of sun-soaked days. Fresh limes are added to introduce a tangy dimension, their zestiness cutting through the sweetness and brightening the entire cocktail. The real twist, however, comes in the form of jalapenos, their spicy kick elevating the cocktail from simply refreshing to excitingly vibrant. The experience is then rounded off with a sugared rim, which provides a sweet counterpoint to the heat and a delightful crunch that adds texture to the drink. The Hot Meloncita is indeed a sweet and spicy Brazilian treat, a cocktail that effortlessly marries contrasting flavors to create a sipping experience that is equally bold, invigorating, and captivating.

9. Champagne Mango Margarita

Tequila, champagne, mango, lime, and a chili mango garnish. The Champagne Mango Margarita is a vivacious twist on the classic margarita that exudes sophistication, celebration, and tropical exuberance. The cocktail begins with a generous pour of tequila, providing a robust and earthy foundation to the mix with its unique, smoky-sweet agave flavor. Next, the introduction of champagne brings an effervescent elegance to the drink, its light, crisp notes enhancing the cocktail’s complexity while introducing a touch of celebratory sparkle. Mango, with its rich, tropical sweetness, takes center stage in this concoction, imparting a sunny, fruity lushness that transports your senses straight to a paradisiacal beach. The citrusy burst of fresh lime juice offers a counterpoint to the sweetness of the mango, its tartness ensuring the cocktail maintains a beautiful balance of flavors. The final twist comes in the form of a chili mango garnish – a delightful, fiery touch that not only visually elevates the drink, but also adds an unexpected kick of heat that dances on the palate, playing off the sweet mango and creating a tantalizingly spicy finish. This Champagne Mango Margarita is a true celebration of flavors, a cocktail that brings together the heart of Mexico and the effervescence of champagne, all wrapped up in a vibrant tropical bow.

10. Mezcal con Cítricos

Mezcal, sunburst simple, citric acid. The Mezcal con Cítricos is a cocktail that celebrates the profound complexities of agave, while introducing a vibrant citrusy edge that truly sets it apart. The centerpiece of this enticing blend is mezcal, a spirit revered for its depth of flavor, carrying a smoky sophistication that hints at its time-honored method of production. The smokiness of the mezcal is contrasted and brightened by the sunburst simple, a citrus-infused syrup that imparts a splash of sweet, sun-kissed zest. This orangey note pays homage to the sunshine-drenched orchards where the citrus fruits grow, bringing a piece of their radiant warmth straight into the cocktail glass. The addition of citric acid further amplifies the cocktail’s tart dimensions, lifting the drink’s overall profile and creating a lively, refreshing bite that beautifully offsets the rich smokiness of the mezcal. This Mezcal con Cítricos cocktail is a stunning marriage of deep, earthy flavors with the exhilarating freshness of citrus. It’s a drink that commands your attention, each sip telling a tale of tradition, passion, and the vibrancy of nature’s bounty.

11. Lost Navigator

Refreshing mocktail Pineapple, cucumber and fresh mint come together to make a refreshing drink with a citrusy Tajin kick. Try it with Bar Boss™ Vodka if you’d like the cocktail experience. The Lost Navigator is a refreshing mocktail that paints a picture of tropical landscapes and revitalizing breezes. The tropical sweetness of pineapple forms the heart of this drink, its bright, fruity notes embodying a sense of exotic escapism. This is beautifully complemented by the crisp freshness of cucumber, which adds a cooling element to the concoction, its mild, clean taste balancing the pineapple’s sweetness and enhancing the overall sense of refreshment. Fresh mint brings a herbaceous touch to the blend, its invigorating aroma and flavor adding a layer of complexity to the drink, while creating a refreshing palate cleanser. The cocktail then takes an adventurous turn with a citrusy Tajin kick. Tajin, a blend of lime, mild chili peppers, and sea salt, introduces a zesty, slightly spicy edge that dances on the tongue, adding a surprising twist to the otherwise cool and sweet blend. For those looking to turn this into a spirited affair, the addition of Bar Boss™ Vodka seamlessly infuses the mocktail with an alcoholic touch, its clean taste ensuring it enhances without overpowering the refreshing tropical and citrus flavors. The Lost Navigator is truly a rejuvenating journey of flavors, its composition offering a sensory voyage that’s as refreshing as it is adventurous.

12. Our Scratch Manhattan or Martini

Yes, after 25 years Von’s still offers the original cocktail bargain. Manhattan, Vodka or Gin Martini. For the discriminating imbiber. No returns. Perfect for connoisseurs seeking to enjoy a classic cocktail elevated by attention to detail and a commitment to quality ingredients.