Brandon Nelson UNDER CDM
FAVORITE DRINKS TO MAKE :
BIKINI SALESMAN AND ANYTHING
CLASSIC
While you can sidle up to the bar in the main dining room at CdM Restaurant , the intimate downstairs speakeasy , Under CdM , is the place to be if you ’ re looking for cocktails with a story . Brandon Nelson , who serves as bar curator for this hidden gem , says that there is a lot we can learn from the rich history of mixology . “ My favorite cocktails to drink are anything with a story or a funny name ,” he notes . “ I ’ ve always liked history , so having cocktails [ that ] people in the past had … [ offers ] a cool insight into why things are the way they are today .”
Nelson may command the posh space now , but his career was all built upon humble beginnings and a love for the ocean . “ I started working in bars as soon as I could , because I wanted to work nights so I could surf during the day ,” he recalls . “ The first bar I ever worked at was a seedy punk bar called Fern ’ s Cocktails in Long Beach .” As such , he has seen just about everything from behind the bartop — from barback mishaps , like dropping 12 liters of honey on the floor or creating simple syrup using salt instead of sugar , to getting his nowgirlfriend ’ s phone number on a receipt .
One classic recipe he likes to craft — a whiskey sour — is given a twist at Under CdM with yuzu liqueur . Nelson also enjoys making the bar ’ s Bikini Salesman drink , a refreshing option with Golden Eagle vodka and Chareau aloe liqueur plus pineapple gum syrup , coconut water , kiwi , ginger and lime . “ I like the freedom of expression involved in creating a cocktail , using fresh ingredients and , ultimately , making people happy ,” he adds . NBM
Brandon Nelson ( left ), bar curator for Under CdM , a speakeasy at CdM Restaurant ; some of his cocktails , including Bikini Salesman ( top right ) and a whiskey sour ( bottom right )
THIS PAGE : COURTESY OF CDM RESTAURANT
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