in search of the perfect cocktail...

We’ve traveled the southeast over the past few weeks holding Cerulean trunk shows in city after city, visiting with cerulean fans and old friends. It was a fabulous adventure driving through Tennessee Mountains full of fall color, or battling would-be hurricanes on the gulf coast. It is exciting for us to meet our loyal customers in person and watch as they ooooh and ahhhh over the feel of the glorious silk or the merino wool or the smooth lacquer. It was a great success and a lot of fun.

But after such hard work and tiring travel, there is nothing better than the perfectly made cocktail to sooth a tired mind. This we found in Nashville Tennessee at the Patterson House. A recently opened mecca to the perfect cocktail (and named after a Tennessee Governor who fought prohibition), this speak easy-inspired, library-like bar is housed in an unassuming old house half way between the campus of Vanderbilt and the honkytonks of downtown Nashville.

Each drink is made the old fashioned way with time and care given to every detail, not the least of which is the ice. After studying the best way to control the rate of melting so as not to alter the composition of the drink, the owners devised a perfect spherical ice cube. Other drinks come with long cylindrical cubes that fit the glasses perfectly. Such attention to detail is given to every aspect of the experience.

I tried a delicious layered concoction of fresh ginger and strong bitters over a dark rum that was divine. Others tried champagne cocktails, Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. There is something for every taste and every level of adventure. But not to worry. Those who don’t imbibe won’t be disappointed with the non-alcoholic versions they whip up upon request.

While they won’t seat you unless there is a table available, I would say it is worth the wait. Once inside, grab a chair at the bar so you can watch the barkeeps work their magic up close and personal. What a fabulous way to unwind after the grand tour of trunk shows!

Patterson House - 1711 Division Street - Nashville