Two drinks: Tonic on 4th

The Liberal, Liberal is so named because of the addition of amoro and orange bitters and the extra large size compared to the normal Liberal. (Credit: David Sorcher | Special to Metromix)

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Inside: Tonic on 4th

We take a tour of the new cocktail spot next to Local 127

Please allow me a tiny squeal of joy. Not long after we pulled up to the bar at Tonic on 4th, the waiter advised us that if we were strictly vodka drinkers, we wouldn't find much to love on the specialty menu.

This was great news: no cosmopolitans! Finally, a bar that shunned the ubiquitous and unoriginal drink Carrie Bradshaw wannabes order before they talk about purses and hair extensions and health care reform! Then it hit me - I like vodka. In fact, it's usually what I order. Would I be able to find a drink I liked here?

The crowd: Tonic is in the old Twist location, so expect the same well-manicured crowd that hung out there. That said, don't be intimidated. The day we went, some dudes in T-shirts and shorts sat at one end of the bar, just feet away from the suits and heels. And they got great service.

The look of the bar is different from Twist. The colors seem warmer and huge curtains break the room apart. Televisions are scattered throughout the bar as well, and on the night we were there, they played strangely captivating nature footage.

The two drinks: Just reading the menu at Tonic is a treat. You'll encounter vintage drinks you've probably never heard of, and you'll get a history lesson to boot. We decided to experiment. I ordered a Satan's Whiskers, which includes sweet and dry vermouth, orange juice and Grand Marnier. My friend got the Aviation, which mixes gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and crème de violette. Neither tasted like anything we'd had before, mysterious little flavors popping up in our mouth, encouraging us to try more.

The drinks are affordable (around $8) but probably smaller than you're used to. The bartenders take their time preparing your cocktail, so sit back and enjoy the process - watch them peel lemons for a fresh twist, crush blocks of ice with a mallet, and shake egg whites so hard you fear they'll injure themselves.

The grub: We enjoyed the fries with a cheddar cheese sauce ($5) and the crispy pork sandwich ($8). Seriously consider ordering the potato skins if you go.

The verdict: Tonic on 4th is a delicious surprise and a way to experiment with liquors you might not even realize you like. Yes, even you Carrie fans will find something to squeal about.

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