Tired of pumpkin spice? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Visit Camarillo recently partnered with SLATE Bistro and Craft Bar to create five specialty cocktail recipes that will surprise and satisfy your tastebuds. Each of mixologist Justyn Varvais’ drinks (including the non-alcoholic Carmen’s Rose ’s Garden) draws inspiration from Camarillo landmarks or points of interest and fresh Camarillo produce, highlighting savory fall flavors, such as cinnamon, coffee, or chilis. So grab a cocktail shaker and some ice and get ready to make some absolutely delicious beverages in the comfort of your home or stop in and enjoy them at Slate. 21+ only. Please enjoy responsibly.
Camarillo Fall Breeze
You will need:
0.5 oz Irish Cream
0.5 oz OM Dark Cacao and Sea Salt Liqueur
1.5 oz Humboldt Organic Vodka
1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
cinnamon dust (for garnish)
Inspired by the city namesake, Adolfo Camarillo, this cold brew Martini is the perfect fall drink for coffee lovers. Adolfo was an entrepreneur and rancher who devoted much of his life to agriculture and supporting local businesses. This drink lives up to his legacy: Raggamuffin Cold Brew, a key ingredient, is brewed in Newbury Park, just 15 minutes from Camarillo. Get ready to enjoy this drink on a comfy, cozy night by the fire.
How to make it: Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe cocktail glass. Dry roast cinnamon stick in a pan on the stove for about 2 minutes (or longer, if you want it burnt). To make the cinnamon dust, grate cinnamon sticks with a zester. Garnish with the roasted cinnamon stick and cinnamon dust.
Old Town Fashioned
You will need:
0.75 oz Corbin Cash Sweet Potato Liqueur
0.5 oz vanilla honey (mix 2 parts vanilla honey to 1 part water)
2 oz Copper & Kings Apple Brandy
1 small orange (for garnish)
1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Old Town Fashioned is named after our beloved downtown shopping district. This area in Camarillo gives a taste of local merchants, businesses and attractions creating a mix of commerce, all while staying a classic—just like this drink. Cheers!
How to make it: Stir ingredients over one large ice cube for about 20 seconds. Garnish with an orange twist around a roasted cinnamon stick.
Coffee on the Boulevardier
You will need:
0.75 oz Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
0.75 oz Campari
1.5 oz Hidden Still Rye Whiskey
1 small orange (for garnish)
‘Tis the season of bold flavors, and this Coffee on the Boulevardier delivers. Named after Ventura Boulevard, which connects many of our streets and runs parallel to Highway 101, this drink provides great taste and smooth coffee flavors that are perfect for a long autumn day.
How to make it: Stir ingredients in a mixing glass (about 10 seconds to chill) and strain over one large rock. Garnish with an orange twist.
Pleasant Valley Sunrise
You will need:
0.5 simple syrup
1 oz lime juice plus a lime slice for garnish
1.5 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Firewater Bitters (optional, for extra spice)
Tajín (for garnish)
1 ancho pepper (for garnish)
Our sunrises and sunsets in the Pleasant Valley offer breathtaking sights and beautiful backdrops. Similar to our watercolor skies, this refreshing drink will leave you awestruck.
How to make it: Shake ingredients and strain over ice. Garnish with a Tajín rim, a slice lime and an ancho pepper
Carmen’s Rose Garden (non-alcoholic)
You will need:
0.5 honey ginger syrup (simmer 1 cup honey, 0.5 cup water and 0.5 cup ginger for about 30 minutes)
0.75 simple syrup
1 oz lemon juice
2 oz Seedlip non-alcoholic aromatics
3-5 blackberries
Named after Adolfo Camarillo’s youngest daughter Carmen and the beautiful Rose Garden that still adorns the historical Queen Anne Victorian home, Camarillo Ranch House, this drink is a refreshing and light non-alcoholic beverage made with fresh fruit that pairs well with a festive fall brunch.
How to make it: Give it a hard shake to break up the berries and strain over ice. Top with Fever Tree tonic water and garnish with your favorite herbs and fruit from the garden.
Looking for the perfect meal to enjoy with your drink? SLATE Bistro Chef Abdu Romero cooked up two food pairings that are available for pickup or dine in at the restaurant:
Starter: Fried artichoke hearts with a fresh herb and lemon cream, poached egg and bacon.
Entree: Ancho chili crusted pork chop with an avocado lime crema, polenta and goat cheese cake and frisee salad. Pairs perfectly with our Pleasant Valley Sunrise.
Meet the Team
Chef Abdu Romero and Mixologist Justyn Varvais are a Dynamic Duo at Slate Bistro & Craft Bar. Often teaming up to create delicious and innovative drink and food pairings, this team always delivers quality and tasty recipes. Stop by the restaurant and be sure to try their latest creations.
If you’re looking to enjoy these custom Visit Camarillo creations at SLATE, stop in for Happy Hour or get a few drinks to-go by calling (805) 388-9888 or visiting www.theslatebistro.com.