New bottled cocktails from Spicehaus Focus on local ingredients

I love my cocktails strong, and more than that, I love teasing bartenders. Yes, I’m one of those customers—bartenders have a love-hate relationship with me.

I leave great tips, I know how to drink well, and I’m more than willing to subject my liver to any concoction. But at the same time, I drive bartenders crazy, questioning what they’re putting in the glass. I don’t like it too sweet, too sour, too weak, or too boring. So, yeah, you’re going to love to hate me. But how does all this tie into bottled cocktails? Stay with me.

The COVID-19 pandemic (remember that?) was a turning point for the alcohol industry. Just as restaurants and chefs turned to deliveries, bars had to adapt and find a way to bottle their premium drinking experiences for home consumption.

Yotam Shilo, owner of the bar "picehaus, saw the potential and took his bottled cocktails—once just a cute gimmick—to a whole new level. Back then, the city was filled with cocktail packages delivered to anyone stuck at home or going on balcony dates. The packages grew more elaborate, featuring appropriate glasses and various garnishes to create the perfect experience.

No More Whiskey Sour

COVID-19 is behind us, and we’re back to drinking outside. However, the bottled cocktail trend hasn’t fizzled out; it continues to thrive, catering to those who don’t feel like making the trek to Tel Aviv and paying 60 shekels for a drink (not including parking or babysitting). It’s also perfect for people who prefer hosting friends at home or by the beach, and for companies looking for unique gifts for their employees.

Most bottled cocktails available today don’t suit my taste, and frankly, I’m not their target audience. They’re lighter, low-alcohol cocktails meant to be easy drinking, so you can enjoy more than one without overdoing it.

And here we are, neck-deep in a war, with hostages still not returned, and an economic downturn. Yet Spicehaus has just launched a new series of bottled cocktails aimed at those looking for something a bit stronger than your average Whiskey Sour.

Local Mixology

The new Signature series brings classic cocktails to the forefront while adding a twist: using local ingredients.

Dirty Martini: Based on gin "washed" with olive oil from Ptora. The drink retains the sharp gin flavor but is softened and given aromatic layers.

Negroni: Infused with warm Mediterranean spices like cloves, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.

Old Fashioned with Peanut Butter: Made with whiskey and local peanut butter grown in southern Israel.

Scottish Whiskey: Flavored with Fernet Branca, coffee, and orange.

Verbena Margarita: The verbena is slightly caramelized, giving it a delicate lemony sweetness.

The Lighter Side

While the series offers cocktails with a higher alcohol content, there are also lighter bottled drinks perfect for a hot day at the beach or a picnic, again featuring local ingredients:

Pornstar Martini: A combination of Israeli vanilla with vodka, sparkling wine, and passion fruit—light and sweet.

Basil Smash: A modern classic that’s been served at Spicehaus for years.

New York Sour: A classic cocktail making a comeback in recent years, combining red wine from the Golan with gin, packed with floral notes and herbs.

So, what’s my point? While I still enjoy teasing bartenders, I’ve discovered that opening a bottle of a cocktail made with quality ingredients can be just as fun as drinking out.

Prices:

700 ml bottle (6-8 servings): NIS 149-179 

200 ml bottle (1.5-2 servings): NIS 55-59 

Available at specialty alcohol stores and on the Spicehaus website.