The Castello Plan Menu Expands With Summer Cocktails & More

Up until now, The Castello Plan (1213 Cortelyou Rd. between Westminster and Argyle) has been known primarily as a wine bar, and as a place to get a nice selection of cheese, an entree, or the best basil ice cream in town. Now with their relocated kitchen leaving bar space open to make signature cocktails and stock about 80 spirits, owners Ben Heemskerk and Avi Shuker are kicking things up a notch.

The six new cocktails on the menu are seasonal, and touch upon classic drinks customers have been asking for, but with unique twists, fresh-squeezed juices, and herb infusions. Ben says naming the drinks–Beauchamp’s Promise, Magdalena’s Elixir, Kentucky Two-Timer, Pas de Deux, Trouble Maker, and Summer Camp–was a collaborative effort between him, Avi, and the Castello staff. Ben’s personal favorite at the moment is Magdalena’s Elixir, called such with Frida Kahlo’s birth name in mind.

In addition to the expanded drink menu, The Castello Plan is now holding a daily Happy Hour from 4-7pm, which will include a $4 beer, $6 wine, and $6 “bartender’s choice” cocktail. Gabby, pictured above, was tending bar last night, and she prepared for us a few of the new drinks, which, like the menu, will be changing four or five times a year.

The Magdalena’s Elixir ($12) includes mezcal, cilantro, and Cointreau. Though it also contains pineapple-serrano pepper juice, those who dislike spice shouldn’t be put off–most of the drink’s heat comes from the smoked paprika and sumac on the rim of the glass.

We found Beauchamp’s Promise ($12) to be wonderfully refreshing with its honeydew-cucumber juice and basil–perfect for hot weather–though one neighbor who joined us at the bar wished the absinthe- and gin-filled drink was a little sweeter. To each his own in 90°F and humidity!

The Kentucky Two-Timer ($10) is more earthy than its Mint Julep cousin, its bourbon beefed up with toasted coriander on top. Still, mint tea and lavender inside keep things light and fresh.

The Troublemaker ($12) is the most stripped-down of all the cocktails, comprised of gin, vodka, St. Germain, yuzu, and Dolin Blanc, plus a little lemon rind. Really, the name says it all.

The Summer Camp ($12; pictured at top) is packed full of root beer flavor for a little nostalgia, with rum and thyme keeping things firmly in the 21-and-over crowd. It’s topped with palm ale, but not too bubbly–which, in certain camp kids’ eyes, is a plus.

We didn’t get to try the Pas de Deux ($11), though we did see one getting made, and Castello might also have called it “Science Fair” for the kids who preferred DIY volcano projects to standard summer camp activities. The sugar cube dissolving in prosecco, Lillet, and cardamom bitters is one of those things that makes looking at your food (okay, drink) such a part of the dining experience.

Out of the aperitifs, scotches, small-batch whiskeys and more that have found new homes behind the bar, Ben says his favorite is the Cocchi Americano, an Italian aperitif wine he recommends with ice, orange zest, and a splash of club soda.

You can view the entire new menu new menu here, and drop into The Castello Plan starting at 4pm daily, as well as 11am-4pm for brunch on weekends.