Juneteenth at OAK

For the entire month of June, OAK will be serving a cocktail special called Cato’s Julep, featuring Uncle Nearest 1884 whiskey, pineapple, curacao, lemon, and mint.

The cocktail is inspired by Cato Alexander, whom many cocktail historians consider America’s first celebrity bartender and an unsung hero of this country’s mixology. Cato was born a slave in New York City in 1780 and worked at an inn, and frequently waited on George Washington. He later gained his freedom and remained in the service industry before opening his own inn called Cato’s Tavern. While he was a great chef, Cato became famous for his skills behind the bar. Specifically his talents crafting punches and Mint Juleps. Often written about in the press, his drinks were the first to be referenced outside of the U.S. as actual “cocktails.” Who has not heard of Cato Alexander?” one New York newspaper wrote in 1835. “Not to know Cato’s is not to know the world.”

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19^TH

Visit the OAK dining room from 4 to 6 p.m. for a free Uncle Nearest premium whiskey tasting and to learn about the brand honoring the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. Available sips: 1884 Small Batch, 1856 Premium Whiskey & Straight Rye.