Walk into any restaurant or bar in town, and you’re bound to find delicious cocktails. Winter Garden is finally establishing itself as a reputable place to find a solid drink. As someone who enjoys sampling new venues, my eyes are always immediately drawn to a cocktail menu. In an effort to avoid a “Smoked Old Fashioned” (no shame, it’s a constant on everyone’s menu for good reason), I’ve spent the past month venturing out trying to find the most extraordinary cocktail in Winter Garden. And after many recommendations, I stumbled into Mangoni’s to check out their beverage program.
Mangoni’s is a beautiful yet exclusive bar. The contrasting dark backdrop and gold accents lure you into a hip, fresh vibe. The allure can be a double-edged sword. As seating is limited and you must order cocktails from the bar, it can get a bit congested. Give it time. Their cocktail list is a mélange of classic libations, but the fancy garnishes take an uncomplicated drink and make it Instagram worthy. Each drink is comprised of one special twist that elevates it to the next level. They don’t try to use questionable ingredients or over-the-top wording for their menu, they deliver exactly what they say, in an elegant and beautiful format
I perused the menu, unsure of what to get. As someone who isn’t fond of overly sugary beverages, the concept of floating cotton candy doesn’t really resonate. When multiple people recommended their first drink on the menu, a Lemon Drop Martini, it almost felt amateur to order.
I know, I know, a classic Lemon Drop seems hardly a creative drink to make original. It’s comprised of vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup with a sugared rim. I questioned how this drink could be so impressive. However, the cocktail quite literally felt like a voltage shock to the mouth. I was taken back by the thunderbolt that shocked my palate.
Masked as a simple garnish, the edible Szechuan button flower changes the game.
The Szechuan button flower, commonly referred to as a “buzz button,” is an ornamental yellow flower that packs a punch. Its electric mouthwatering effect initially felt like licking a 9V battery, then resonated into the sensation I can only compare to the tingling of Pop Rocks. Right after the jolt of voltage, my mouth felt a slight metallic numbing sensation and my tongue relaxed. It compares to chewing on a mint leaf, but without the mint flavor. I could feel my taste buds tingle, but it allowed for every component of the cocktail to shine through.
The entire experience transported me back to childhood. The curiosity of a first-time escapade, mixed with the sweet sugared rim and high acidity of the lemon was a flavor bomb to the mouth. And this all came from chewing on a flower, tucked neatly away in a lemon twist. It felt like the first time having a Warhead or sour candy. As someone who has sampled distinctive cocktails all over the world, it was unlike anything I have ever experienced before.
All Mangoni’s cocktails are over the top. Torched marshmallows, boba balls, cigar smoked Old Fashioned’s— they have it all. But if you’re looking for a truly extraordinary cocktail, chew on the Buzz Bottom Lemon Drop. It’s not often refreshments make you reminisce on old memories and new sensations. It will be like nothing you’ve ever felt (or drunk) before.
