With two locations in the Baltimore area on either side of the harbor, Langermann's is known for its upscale casual Southern cuisine and brunch options. So it may come as a surprise that their craft cocktail menu boasts a healthy selection of sophisticated boozy options, one of which stood out head and shoulders over the others in the category of robusto: T's Woodyhatten.
T's Woodyhatten's name may stem from the bartender named [T]ravis that assembled it, or the [T]ottenham Hotspurs, which he is a fan of (that's a soccer team, folks). Owner Mark Lasker explains that Canton Langermann's bartender Travis "was in a Manhattan-making contest in New York — there were certain parameters he didn't stick to."
And boy, howdy, is it a good thing that he didn't. Think of it as a Manhattan but with vermouth replaced by merlot, and bitters with a house-made spiced syrup replete with vanilla, lemon zest, pink peppercorn, cloves and star anise. With a healthy pour of Woodford Reserve, the resulting cocktail rates high on the aromatics scale, with flavors gently coming together to form a sweet, very strong libation that demands to be sipped slowly.
Maraschinos are optional; the flavor from the super-sweet cherries can mess with the rest of the creation. The drink is great enough on its own.
If you can't wait to dig into a heap of Langermann's short ribs, consider washing it down with T's Woodyhatten. No bib required and no saucy mess.
How to make the T's Woodyhatten
2 oz. Woodford Reserve
1/3 oz. spiced simple syrup (includes vanilla, pink peppercorn, lemon zest, star anise, cloves)
2/3 oz. merlot (any brand)
Stir ingredients into chilled glass. Add maraschino cherries if desired.
Where to get the T's Woodyhatten
Langermann's on Light
1542 Light St., Riverside
410-528-1200
$10