A Banker and a Credit Unioner Walk Into a Bar

LOL to the title.

Probably not a good joke if you have to explain it, though...? You see, the hubs works at a bank and my day job is at a credit union. Banks and credit unions don't exactly get along. And the name of the bar I'm about to review for you is Savings & Loan Co. So....it's funny! Right?

At least I make my self laugh.

Anyways..... 

Anyone who is anyone in Oklahoma City has tried out the newest cocktail bar on the block, Savings & Loan Co.  Located just to the right of The Tower Theatre sign on 23rd Street, the little establishment boasts a rotating menu of the most unique craft cocktails I've ever tasted.

The name, "Savings & Loan Co.," has a little bit of history behind it. Ages ago, the building that now houses the cocktail lounge used to hold Beneficial Loans. Today, the name, as well as the touches of financial decor, remind guests of the location's historical elements. A perfect fit for the Uptown 23rd district. The first floor's simple vibe is for the "savings" portion of the name and the upstair's luxurious leather sofas and upscale decor lead one to feel as if they splurged on a large loan.

Upon entering, we staked our claim on the first five barstools we saw and waited for the rest of our group to arrive. Having a few friends tag along is a huge advantage when you're taste testing a cocktail menu. Between the five of us, we were able to try a large portion of the drinks and decide which ones would become our future go-to's.

The menu was slightly undescriptive. Or better yet, not descriptive at all. I believe this was by design as it forces you to make conversation with the bartenders. These guys....they take their jobs very seriously. Crafting cocktails is a form of art and they are the Picassos. They love explaining the drinks, discussing how the different ingredients bring out certain flavors and hints, and mixing the cocktail shakers to their own beat. They treat each guest like a regular and include themselves in just the right amount of small talk.

Now, let's get down to business: The Drinks.

Aztec Promise
The first drink I ordered made a good first impression. A real good one. It was by far the most unique cocktail I've ever tasted and it was pretty to look at, too! I couldn't tell you what exactly was in this because I've never heard of most of it, but it tasted like a smokey cactus. Weird, but good.

1,000 Days War
I love coffee. Hot or cold, it may be my favorite beverage in the entire world. Give me an Elemental Cold Brew mixed with rum and banana and you've got yourself a winner. Need I say more?

Italian Soda
I'll be honest: I ordered this drink because I watched the bartender prepare it for someone else and I needed it. It was the most beautiful drink I've ever laid eyes on! Three distinct layers of colorful liquid, almost link a bomb pop! Blackberry syrup, vodka, bubbles and brandy cream. It looked so refreshing......and let me tell you, it most certainly was. I didn't get a picture before the layers started to settle, so you'll just have to take my word for it. Sorry!

Other drinks of note: The State Vegetable of Oklahoma (It's Watermelon, Apparently!) and Canary Island (Lavender, Whiskey and Tranquility)

Have you tried Savings & Loan Co., yet? If so, what was your favorite drink?

If you haven't tried it, make sure to add it to your list and let me know your thoughts when you go.

xoxo, Amanda