Tropical Sensations

When Chad Solomon & Christy Pope first opened Midnight Rambler, they had a few goals in mind. The libation lair beneath the hip Joule Hotel in Downtown Dallas has become a go-to spot for those in the know craving a cocktail that will expand their tastes and get their evening going. Initially, the bar was set to be a innovative space where the bartenders would experiment with flavors and create the cool vibes of a a craft cocktail lounge. Since opening 2 years ago, Midnight Rambler has evolved into something so much more. With 7 different unique menu changes that reflect seasonality and theming, it’s easy to see why this underground stunner has become so popular.

“For our new menu, Midnight Rambler is going “dark tropical.” The drinks on this menu explore flavors from tropical regions around the world including, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Africa, and Asia, focused through our post-modern minimalist/essentialist neo-classical house style. We purposefully have avoided the term “tiki,” as it is a pop art movement limited to the South Pacific, and instead have gone with “dark tropical:” man-eating animals, tropical weaponry, mysticism, colonialism, the paranormal, and the ominous forces of mother nature. All of which are set to an imaginary steel drum riot soundtrack.” – Chad Solomon

Sound too heavy to put in a cocktail and sip on? I challenge you to believe it’s quite the opposite. After chatting with Solomon over a few of the newly minted cocktails, I began to understand just how important the flavor combinations of the drinks are to the imbibers overall sipping experience. You’ll experience, sweet, savory and sometimes indescribably interesting notes that transport you to the locations these drinks draw their inspiration from. The new cocktails include:

• Savory Hunter (Lemongrass and Makrut Leaf Gin, Lime, Coconut, Cilantro, Thai Chili) – southeast Asian flavors
• Tiger Style (Batavia Arrack, Calamansi, Palm Sugar, Pippali, Egg White, Cassia Aromatics) – Philippine and Indonesian elements
• The Curse of Lono (Trinidadian Rum, Venezuelan Rum, Pineapple, Lime, Guatemalan Single Estate Cold Brew Coffee) – Hawaiian influences
• The Bacco (Black Jamaican Rum, Lime, Banana) – Guyanese inspiration
• Spirit of Juma (Cachaca, GEnever, Lemon, Blanc Vermouth, Banana Soda) – Brazilian elements

In addition to the above cocktails, be sure to sample some of the rare and delicious rum selections that Midnight Rambler keeps in stock. Happy sipping!