DINING – Spirited Brooklyn

Desserts and cocktails blend at Spirited Brooklyn

High spirits abound at Spirited Brooklyn, thanks to the creativity of Executive Baketender Kimberly Wetherell and the literal spirits – of the alcoholic variety – that infuse each dessert, from the Big Bad Brooklyn Blackout Cake to the vegan and gluten-free Planter’s Punch Parfait (both $12/slice).

“We use alcohol in our baked goods, not for the intoxicating effect, but for the desirable savory result that comes from using this distinctive ingredient in our recipes,” explained Wetherell, whose spirit-infused baked goods grew so popular among friends that she decided to open up her own restaurant.

The cozy and classy dessert speakeasy at 638 Bergen Street in Prospect Heights is a deliciously inspired restaurant that encourages guests to feel at home, whether in the airy front dining room with the gorgeous full bar or the back room full of dark wood, comfortable chairs, cocktail books and local art.

“As much as it’s a speakeasy, as a woman entrepreneur, I want it to be a place where people can come and feel comfortable,” she said. “I liked the camaraderie of the theater industry and the same goes for the restaurant industry: we’re a team, not just one person, and everyone plays an integral role.”

Even the alcohol and sweets are great at teamwork. The aforementioned Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a moist and richly dense chocolate layer cake infused with Owney Rum, while the chocolate filling and chocolate rum frosting is infused with Sorel from Jack From Brooklyn. Paired with the recommended complementary cocktail of County of Kings ($12), a cognac and sherry concoction mixed with lemon juice and simple syrup, garnished with a lemon wheel, the cake and cocktail combo offset one another perfectly.

You can mix and match any sweet and cocktail item (all cocktails are $12), but the Spirited Brooklyn team knows its stuff and provides recommended pairings.

Another of our favorites is the Eendraght Maeckt Maght – translated as “In Unity, There Is Strength” – a citrusy cocktail made with Peligroso Cinnamon Tequila, Illegal Mezcal, lime cordial, chocolate mole bitters and a cinnamon dusted lime wheel. Pair it with the lighter-than-air meringue cake called Bitter Pavlova ($10, gluten-free) piled with boozy whipped cream and fresh macerated fruit and you might just float out of the restaurant on a cloud.

This Halloween Friday, otherworldly spirits will also be on hand to celebrate the Mexican holiday of the Day of the Dead. For $25, guests get a Skull and Cocktail combo: decorate your very own sugar skull with colorful icing beads and toast the living and the dead with your choice of cocktail.

Spirited Brooklyn also hosts a range of events such as pop-up dinners, and by the new year will launch a Drunch menu full of sweet and savory items. Wetherell’s ideas include Bourbon Maple French Toast and a sweet-cheese omelette.

Pies ($45 each for house favorites) and cakes ($45 single layer and bundts, $50 8-inch, $60 10-inch, $80 12-inch) are available year-round, although holiday options will also be available soon for preorder online.

Spirited Brooklyn
638 Bergen Street
718-783-5700
www.spiritedbrooklyn.com
Closed Mondays.
Opens weekdays at 4 p.m. and weekends at 2 p.m. to midnight
Closes at 2 a.m. Thursdays – Saturdays
Daily happy hours 4-8 p.m.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.