Just add fireworks

from Spirit of America 2023

Quiz: Who said it?

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

To celebrate our nation’s birthday, we asked MADE Restaurant mixologist Rhiannon Cicconi to create three patriotic cocktails. She came through with flying colors — red, white and blue, of course.

Few places in Sarasota exude more of an Americana vibe than MADE, located at 1990 Main St. MADE serves up locally sourced American comfort food in a comfortable setting.

Cicconi, who has been at MADE for two years, is a Pittsburgh native and has been in the restaurant business for 19 years. She is working with MADE owner, operator and chef Mark Woodruff on a new craft cocktail menu they plan to roll out for the July 4 weekend.

The first July 4 cocktail Cicconi created is The Red, White and Blue. It’s a rum-fueled milkshake that gets its name from a garnish of whipped cream and fresh strawberries and blueberries. There’s also some red via grenadine syrup and blue from blueberry thyme puree. You can serve it for dessert but why wait?

The second July 4 selection, Straight Up Americano, is an easyto-make coffee vodka martini that uses locally sourced Java Dog cold brew. Served in a coup glass, it’s sure to win fans among coffee drinkers or those who need a jolt of caffeine to keep going for fireworks. “Everyone loves it,” Cicconi says.

Cicconi describes the last July 4 cocktail she created, Amber Waves of Grain, as an “elevated” version of the classic Old Fashioned because highquality ingredients raise the alcohol level. Cicconi uses Redwood Empire Rye Bourbon to give the drink a lift.