Unique Drink Menu Being Prepared at The Wooden Mouth
World famous mixologist Brian Van Flandern displays a specialty drink called the “Smoked Sage.” He was named the Food Network’s “America’s Top Mixologist.”
By Pamela Rensing
NEW BADEN – Anticipation is soaring regarding Clinton County’s newest specialty bar…The Wooden Mouth. Preparations by owner Brant Kehrer are running at a feverish pace with the possible opening scheduled for early April.
But this will not be your typical bar. The Wooden Mouth will provide friendly ambiance, extraordinary food, craft beer, and any cocktail you could possibly want.
Kehrer invited famous mixologist Brian Van Flandern, President & Master Mixologist of Creative Cocktail Consultants in Las Vegas, to design a cocktail list and train the Wooden Mouth bartenders.
Van Flandern said he was happy to help make Kehrer’s new adventure a reality. “Brant is passionate about bringing the best to the heartland, and that is what I admire about him; that is why I am here,” Van Flandern stated.
Van Flandern has traveled the world training bartending personnel on the professional ways to mix drinks, as well as the importance of presentation. His liquor creations are more than just drinks. He was named the Food Network’s “America’s Top Mixologist.” His attention to detail and innovation earned him international attention and awards in the field of mixology.
Kehrer stated on Facebook that “Brian exceeded our expectations and trained our bartenders on becoming experts at each and every one of these cocktails!” Staff members participating in the weekend training sessions were fascinated by the number of drinks that could be made special and unique. And the Wooden Mouth guests will be the winners of all that training.
One of the most amazing drinks featured during the training was the Smoking Sage. It contains Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Dry Palo Cortado Sherry, Benedictine Liqueur, with dashes of Orange Bitters.
It is garnished and then presented to guests in a light cloud of smoked sage. This has to be a “must see” when visiting the Wooden Mouth.
Along with the different cocktails available to guests, the Wooden Mouth will offer over 100 selections of whiskeys.
Unique drinks are not the only specialty at the Wooden Mouth. Once the doors open in April, check out the “Donut Knock It Till You Try it” sandwich. According to reports, it is 6 oz locally raised beef patty topped with a fried egg, thick-cut bacon, pepper jelly, and smoked Gouda stacked between two slices of a grilled Berkmann’s Bakery glazed donut!
The Wooden Mouth is located at 423 West Hanover in New Baden, the former location of “The Fine Swine” which closed in November 2020.
The Wooden Mouth promises to provide fun and food in the best friendly atmosphere in Clinton County. Follow them on Facebook for the latest details on their future opening.
