The Avery: Cocktail Heaven in the West End

The Avery: Cocktail Heaven in the West End

The Aviation may not be a ‘new’ cocktail (think 1916), but finding a place pouring a mean one is challenging. Thank mixology heaven for The Avery in West Providence--it's the spot for this perfect spring drink, as owner/bartender John ‘J.R.’ Richard has compiled the ingredients, which read like an intense scavenger hunt for a cocktail connoisseur, to oblige the discerning drinker.

Instead of the traditional gin base, J.R. opts for the Bols Genever. Although it’s over 300 years old, Bols has given way to gin in many drinks, but it’s still the mark of a good--no, great--bar to stock it. The Aviation is mixed it with a newly acquired bottle of Luxardo Maraschino Liquer and Crème de Violette, shaken with lemon juice, and strained into a chilled martini glass over an orange peel instead of the normal cherry.

The resulting cocktail is light purple and slightly cloudy, highlighted by fantastic florals and citrus with a dry finish. Bols doesn’t have the bitter punch of gin, so the Aviation goes down smooth and easy; a perfect treat and a Providence rarity.

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Of course, there is much cocktail experimentation to be had at The Avery. The whiskey list is particularly extensive, and if you ask nicely J.R. will pour you the smoothest scotch drink you’ve never had, a Highland Falls. No matter what your drink, The Avery is a perfect place to lounge, with an assortment of low tables and leather chairs beneath a hand carved tableau of Providence covering every wall. Looking to get away from the clubs and the vodka scene? Welcome home.

The Avery, 18 Luongo Memorial Square, Providence, www.averyprovidence.com, Mon-Fri 4pm-midnight, Sat-Sun 5pm-midnight.

Lou Perseghin lives and drinks in Providence. Not being a native Rhode Islander, he doesn’t mind ranging far afield (read: crossing a bridge) to indulge epicurean pursuits.