In our #ThirstyThursday series, TIPSY AND TAN, we ask consummate mixologists from New York City’s white-hot new restaurants and bars to create OC-exclusive drinks for our readers. Drinking on the job? Don't mind if we do...
Bartender Michael Klein might not have the rotary evaporator machine of his dreams behind the bar at ESTELA, but what he does have is a keen eye for flavor and a knack for making pared-down drinks that won’t “blow your palate away” before sampling some of chef IGNACIO MATTOS' mouthwatering dishes.
We were in the mood for TEQUILA, so Michael whipped up “Dangerous Vines,” a refreshing blast of watermelon with a smoky aftertaste.
From behind the bar...
Name: Michael Klein
If this drink had a soundtrack what would it be? "CRUEL SUMMER" by Bananarama
Best place to get day drunk: AMOR Y AMARGO in the East Village. They have Americanos on draft. Catch them right when they open and when the sun’s out.
Hangover cure: I love Bloody Marys, but usually I’m getting out of bed, taking a couple of Advil, and sleeping all day. That’s the way I do it.
Your summer getaway: Rockaway Beach or home to Texas
Favorite summer tradition: A friend of mine has access to a rooftop in the West Village, so I’ve been up there to see the fireworks on July 4th.
What are some red-light signs that someone’s been overserved? Falling asleep on the bar… [Laughs]
Are there any personality traits essential to a being a bartender? Obviously, you want to be outgoing and friendly. I consider myself to be an introverted person, so it definitely doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m not one of the lucky ones that has the gift of gab.
Exclusive Recipe: Dangerous Vines
.75 oz. blanco tequila
.75 oz. fino sherry
1.5 oz. watermelon juice
.5 oz. lime juice
.25 oz. cinnamon syrup
1. Shake all ingredients and strain into rocks glass with ice.
2. Garnish with lime wheel and cinnamon stick.
OC Alcohol Scale*: 6
In terms of the alcohol content, it’s a 6, but it’s not that bold in terms of flavor.
*OC's Alcohol Scale ranges from 1 ("like sippin' from a juice box") to 10 ("take me home—right now")![]()
Photos by Jessica Chou
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Bartender Michael Klein might not have the rotary evaporator machine of his dreams behind the bar at ESTELA, but what he does have is a keen eye for flavor and a knack for making pared-down drinks that won’t “blow your palate away” before sampling some of chef IGNACIO MATTOS' mouthwatering dishes.
We were in the mood for TEQUILA, so Michael whipped up “Dangerous Vines,” a refreshing blast of watermelon with a smoky aftertaste.
From behind the bar...
Name: Michael Klein
If this drink had a soundtrack what would it be? "CRUEL SUMMER" by Bananarama
Best place to get day drunk: AMOR Y AMARGO in the East Village. They have Americanos on draft. Catch them right when they open and when the sun’s out.
Hangover cure: I love Bloody Marys, but usually I’m getting out of bed, taking a couple of Advil, and sleeping all day. That’s the way I do it.
Your summer getaway: Rockaway Beach or home to Texas
Favorite summer tradition: A friend of mine has access to a rooftop in the West Village, so I’ve been up there to see the fireworks on July 4th.
What are some red-light signs that someone’s been overserved? Falling asleep on the bar… [Laughs]
Are there any personality traits essential to a being a bartender? Obviously, you want to be outgoing and friendly. I consider myself to be an introverted person, so it definitely doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m not one of the lucky ones that has the gift of gab.
Exclusive Recipe: Dangerous Vines
.75 oz. blanco tequila
.75 oz. fino sherry
1.5 oz. watermelon juice
.5 oz. lime juice
.25 oz. cinnamon syrup
1. Shake all ingredients and strain into rocks glass with ice.
2. Garnish with lime wheel and cinnamon stick.
OC Alcohol Scale*: 6
In terms of the alcohol content, it’s a 6, but it’s not that bold in terms of flavor.
*OC's Alcohol Scale ranges from 1 ("like sippin' from a juice box") to 10 ("take me home—right now")
Photos by Jessica Chou
