Shift Drink
Meister-approved cocktails to try for yourself
Mike Rougas Center Ice Shandy
Welcome to Shift Drink San Diego with Mike Rougas all about unique and inspiring cocktails created by local Bartender's & Mixologists showcasing the cities they live in.
Center-Ice Shandy
- 1/2 part Lemon juice
- 3/4 part Grapefruit juice
- 3/4 part Kettle Corn Syrup*
- 1 part Jägermeister
- Top with Ballast Point Wahoo White**
Glass: Beer Glass
Garnish: Grapefruit peel
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over ice. Top with beer stir, garnish and serve.
Scroll Down For Some Tips & Tricks & Get to Know Mike.
Center-Ice Shandy
Inspiration
Photo by Nate Laird @jagerlifeatx
Hey Mike, what inspired you to create this amazing cocktail?
Whenever one thinks of San Diego, their mind usually takes them to a sandy beach, lined by palm trees. Which is fantastic, since we do have such great beaches! But about two miles inland, there's something equally enticing: The Sports Arena.
San Diego's Sports Arena is home to the Gulls, which in its current iteration is a minor league hockey team in the Anaheim Ducks' farm system. Most San Diegans have seldom watched hockey, but take them to a Gull's game and they'll have the time of their life, regardless of the final score. I wanted to craft a cocktail that felt reminiscent of a game there. The smells of the concession stands, the dozens of local breweries on tap, and the jubilation of watching a bunch of brutes smash into each other at high speeds. Give it a try, and I'll see you at the rink!
Tell us about the inspiration for the drink:
Hockey has always been a part of my life. My dad played goalie since about the time he could tie his own skates, and he made sure to take us to Gulls games as often as he could. When I decided to make a San Diego inspired cocktail, I couldn't think of a better ambassador for the city than our Gulls, and with how much hockey advertising Jägermeister does, the fusion between the idea and the spirit felt seamless. For the drink's sweetness, I chose to represent my favorite Sports Arena snack, Kettle Corn. I knew the salty-sweetness would dovetail nicely with Jägermeister. For added length and depth of flavor, I chose a beer you'd find as you meandered through the concourse during an intermission: Ballast Point Wahoo White. The clove, coriander, and orange peel notes you find in that Witbier marry with Jägermeister exquisitely.
Grab Your Tools & let's Make It Together!!!
Video by Nate Laird @Jagerlifeatx
Get To Know Mike
Mike Rougas is a bartender in San Diego, CA. He got started in the industry in late 2018, mostly checking IDs at the front door and taking whatever barback shifts they could give him. Now, thanks to some fantastic Hubertus Circle mentors, he is behind the stick full time! As someone born and raised in San Diego, he is absolutely stoked to contribute to the fantastic nightlife scene in town. It's more than just margaritas and street tacos, and he is very excited to show you all what they are missing.
Mike's Tips & Tricks
* Kettle Corn Syrup:
- Take two cups of popped kettle corn (store-bought is fine) and combine in a pot with 1 cup of simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) and 2 cinnamon sticks.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then allow to cool completely, about 1 hour.
- Strain the syrup off from the spent kernels and keep in a sealed, refrigerated vessel for up to 2 weeks.
Beer Choice:
** A San Diegan White Ale like Wahoo is preferred, but if you can't find it, a White Ale like Einstök or Allagash will do.
