Drink a Cocktail Inspired by George Washington

The Alcove Restaurant in downtown Mount Vernon has been around for more than a century, but a 2016 makeover of the Knox County landmark remade it as a neighborhood restaurant with the white-tablecloth ambiance of a special-occasion steakhouse. 

That feel extends to the cocktail menu, where The Alcove’s bartenders whip up concoctions that play on local history, people and landmarks. The Bookworm is a champagne-based drink created for restaurant co-owner Karen Wright (whose maiden name was Buchwald and who appreciates both bubbly and a good book). The Alma Mater — El-Jimador Blanco tequila, fresh-squeezed lime juice and rose water — was crafted in honor of author P.F. Kluge, an alumnus of nearby Kenyon College. 

Then, there’s the General Washington (above), a fruity, whiskey-based drink named in honor of our first president, who made his home at Mount Vernon, Virginia. The cocktail features Bulleit rye whiskey, Madeira wine, fresh orange and Luxardo cherries. (Fun fact: In 1799, George Washington’s distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons, firmly placing it as one of America’s largest whiskey distilleries at the time.) 

“It’s definitely one of our most popular drinks,” says co-owner Katie Wright, “and it’s on the menu always.” 116 S. Main St., Mount Vernon 43050, 740/392-3076, alcoverestaurant.com