Soup Spoon Café’s “Ginzerac”

There is nothing comparable to it in the area. New Orleans might be the closest place for something similar. And one sip proved the was a drink like no other.

The concoction was their take on the sazerac drinks created in bars in the French Quarter that were a variation of a whiskey cocktail. The Ginzerac used Valentine Distilling Co.’s barrel-aged Liberator Old Tom Gin — but one should not expect the flavor associated with the clear booze. It had more of a caramel color and a taste closer to a mellow whiskey.

The Detroit distillery’s gin costs $45 a bottle. The price of a Ginzerac, served straight in a rocks glass, was $9.

Other ingredients included a bonal aperitif and another New Orleans favorite: Peychaud’s bitters. The heavy wine added hints of plum — as the Spoon’s menu boasted— and the bitters made the Ginzerac slightly sweet while adding a splash of alcohol.

As smooth and flavorful as the potent Ginzerac was, I found it a bit too intense for a during-meal drink. Next time, I’ll save it for dessert.

Soup Spoon Café M-Th: 7am-10pm

Fri: 7am-Midnight Sat: 8am-Midnight 1419 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing (517) 316-2377 soupspooncafe.com