Cocktail Creators: Southern Traveler

Unconventional. Curious. A little eccentric. The life of the party — that’s how people remember Milly Parker, a legendary woman of the 1920s who pursued life, love, and adventure above all else. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Denver cocktail lounge that her life inspired: Room for Milly.

“Milly Parker led an unconventional life, traveling the world, making friends and following her interests wherever they led,” reads the Room for Milly website. “Her ideal evening would be spent in a crowded bar or restaurant, spilling the tea and sharing opinions around a table with a liberally poured cocktail.”

With a space that is artfully designed to spark curiosity and inspire travel, Room for Milly is draped in the bright, bold, and colorful with just enough whimsy to make you feel transported. Everything from the décor to the bar menu is centered around a curated cocktail lounge experience that would make Milly proud.

So where to start? We’d suggest the Southern Traveler, a signature Room for Milly cocktail that embodies Milly’s zest for the offbeat and her love for adventure.

Blackberry syrup, candied orange, and fresh lemon juice bring a touch of sweetness to the complex flavor profile created by the combination of amaro and red wine. And all of it is woven seamlessly together with a spirit base of Redemption Rye Whiskey.

“I chose Redemption because of its ability to stand out when mixed with other bold flavors,” says bartender Justin Thompson. “Its dry, spicy flavor won’t get lost when competing with rich sugars or amaros.”

In a final flourish fit only for Milly, the Southern Traveler is topped with a sprig of mint, a slice of orange, a blackberry, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Unusual, while still delicious. Surprising, yet easily craveable. Complex, but altogether balanced — the Southern Traveler is a craft cocktail meant to inspire, just like Milly. And we’d bet she’d raise a glass to that.

Bar: Room for Milly

Bartender: Justin Thompson

Cocktail: Southern Traveler

Brand: Redemption Rye

Recipe

Ingredients:

Pinch of mint leaves

1 orange slice

3/4 ounce blackberry syrup

3/4 ounce lemon juice

1/4 ounce amaro of your choice

1/2 ounce light- to medium-bodied aromatic wine

1-1/2 ounces Redemption Rye

Powdered sugar for garnish

Blackberry for garnish

Method:

In a tin shaker, first add your mint leaves and orange slice. Then add the rest of your ingredients and dry shake. Pour drink into your serving glass. Top with crushed ice. Garnish with a couple of mint sprigs, a blackberry, an orange slice, and a dusting of powdered sugar.