Introducing the Vino Tini
Years ago, probably after having a bit too much to drink, we came up with the crazy idea of wine cocktails. Needless to say, nothing ever came of that brainstorm, but I was definitely intrigued when I heard that "Wine-Inspired Cocktails" are now available at the Blue Grotto, 210 Atwells Avenue in Providence.
One afternoon, when I was at the Blue Grotto for a Convention & Visitors Bureau marketing meeting, I just had to try one of their wine cocktails. I ordered the Pinot Mojito, which is a Mojito made with Bacardi rum, Pinot Grigio wine, fresh lime and mint. It was wonderful. On another visit, I had a martini made with Olifant vodka and Conundrum Meritage, shaken, not stirred.
Owner Mike Danahy says the idea came to him a few months ago, and he played around with various combinations until he was satisfied with the results. His wine-inspired cocktail menu consists of classic cocktails that are sweetened with various wines that have been reduced to syrups.
Two other martinis are on the wine-inspired cocktail menu, one made with Barolo and another with a super Tuscan wine. If you like a cocktail for dessert, try the sinful combination of vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wine cocktails are priced at $9 each.
