Disclosure: I attended a complimentary cocktail menu launch event, but then visited again on my own dime during normal operations. I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

I have loved the Heathman Hotel since even before I moved to Portland. This is because while F and I were still dating, on a visit to Portland he surprised me with a romantic night at the Heathman. The room was elegant and sophisticated and glamorous, something that made me feel like a real VIP. It didn’t feel like just a hotel room- it felt like an urban getaway and a splurge (chocolates, champagne, and a book of Shakespeares’ Love Sonnets also helped).

The Beefeater dressed to the hilt doormen in their finery is pretty iconic (as is the statue of the bulldog Zelda next to a watering bowl for dogs right by the entrance, also in Beefeater finery). They also offer traditional tea service, perfect for a little chatting with the ladies, and special holiday meals like the upcoming big Easter brunch buffet.

Yet, somehow it never entered my mind once I moved to Portland to enjoy a romantic rendezvous in the bar after work. Well, it’s definitely on my list now. I was invited to the Heathman Cocktail Menu Launch to kick off the new cocktail menu, and boy, is that menu stunning.

Last two images © Evrim Icoz Photography, all other images are mine

You might choose to enjoy it more by the bright open windows by the marble bar, watching the bustle on Broadway in the airy bar area or maybe one of the tables that in fairer weather lets you enjoy the people watching right on the sidewalk outside. Or, you could enter the chandeliered wood paneled cushy seats by the fireplace in the same intimate lounge that tea was held, but now made sexier by the shadows and the live jazz and the underlying promise of you could always decide to just stay the night…

Last image is Heathman Hotel Portland Tea Court Lounge wide shot © Ron Guisti Photography, all other images are mine

The cocktails at the Heathman match the sophistication of the atmosphere, marrying historic and tradition with modern and local.

Finally, I want to share a photo of the Heathman bustling Marble Bar during the event as they did an amazing job of making those drinks for those 2 hours for all the attendees of that Launch event. The staff was incredible in smoothly carrying trays of cocktails and bites up and down stairs to the two rooms the event was being held, and remembering who had/had not tried what drink yet and making stops to make sure we received samples, rather than us having to flock to them or wave them down. Great service that made you feel cared for.

I also was able to catch a photo of the lovely queen who created these libations, Bar Chef Kathy Casey, who shares many beautiful cocktail recipes (including the one for the Berries and Bubbles) that marry the kitchen with the bar expertly at Liquid Kitchen. Many bites were examples from the Heathman Restaurant kitchen headed by Executive Chef Michael Stanton.

I focused on mostly trying cocktails at the Cocktail Menu Launch, but could not get to them all. So I returned to try the cocktail I missed (and one that I wanted another of), as well as to see what a plating of an actual food dish would be like versus the few samples I tried that were passed at the event (that was my fault partially as I was focused on drinks and friends and not food). I’m just looking out for you, my readers, you know.

• Examples of the Heathman Cocktail Menu from the Cocktail Menu Launch, such as the Potted Duck Confit Rillette with pickled onion, cornichon, dijon, grilled baguette. I totally had two of these, it was a great balance of the grilled baguette being a great vehicle but not losing the rest of the flavors of the rich rabbit countered by the pickled onion, cornichon, and dijon. I also enjoyed the shrimp salad atop cucumber, a refreshing palate cleanser from cocktails like the Newton,  abd I absolutely loved that salaf/soup on the spoon that was packed with flavors and textures. They change up the menu here based on what is available and fresh locally, of course.
  
• Tradition with a little added modern touch: the Northwest Grapefruit Negroni, House-bottled Aviation gin, Carpano antica, Campari, Combier Pamplemousse, or the cocktail of Orchard Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Clear Creek Pear Brandy syrup, organic Baked apple bitters, ice sphere
  
• The lovely bubbly elixir of Oregon Berries & Bubbles with New Deal Vodka, Oregon raspberry puree, lemon elixir, Argyle sparkling feels celebratory and is dangerously easy to drink, tasting refreshing and maybe even healthy… just like the cocktail of the Cucumber Rouge with Superfly Potato Vodka, Pomegranate, Fresh Cucumber, lemon elixir, Citronella Cocktail Perfume
  
• Then there are beauties like these, which were almost too beautiful to drink, they looked like art: the Bubbly Elixir selection from the cocktail menu of Provence with Grey Goose Vodka, Il Tramonto limoncello, lemon elixir, lavender bitters, Argyle sparkling, and the Luxury Spiced Vermouth Manhattan with Templeton rye whiskey, House-spice infused red vermouth, Liquid Kitchen Golden Era bitters, stirred and served up with a spirited cherry & 23k gold
  
• One of my favorites of the evening was the Vineyard Margarita with Milagro reposado tequila, Combier d’orange, Fresh lime, organic agave nectar, Fresh rosemary, topped with a float of Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot noir. So fancy!
  
  First photo is mine, Second photo © Evrim Icoz Photography

But the cocktail that had me return a couple weeks later was the Tea Court Lounge Punch. More on that in a second.

© Evrim Icoz Photography

When I read the recap of the Heathman Cocktail launch by The Good Hearted Woman, I saw that her favorite had been the Heathman Hotel cocktail of Flaming Green Eyed Daiquiri with Bacardi superior rum, lime elixir, green Chartreuse, and fresh thyme that is flamed! I remember seeing this cocktail, but had not sampled it. With her rave review, I really wanted to try it. It was as savory sweet wonderful as she described, with the flamed thyme giving a strong slightly smoky slightly herby flavor profile with every sip and incredibly aromatic.

I also got a taste of the Heathman Cocktail of 50 Shades of Gin – Part 2, inspired by the Book set at the Heathman Hotel, a blend of Tanqueray Gin, Ransom Old Tom gin, St. Germain, French Blackberry liqueur, lemon peel essence. Definitely a strong drink. Yes, this is Part 2- you can get a glimpse of Part 1 and the history of the drink that was filmed at the blog 50 Shades Girl Portland here! I never read any of the books so know nothing about this, but I’ve read that some of the scenes of this book take place at the Heathman Hotel, so while the book was hot they had been offering a special 50 Shades of Grey package. End of all my knowledge on this.

Meanwhile, the Tea Court Lounge Punch is really unique. Crafted with Bacardi select rum, Courvoisier Vs Cognac Pomegranate, guava, orange & lemon juices, Fonte earl grey tea spiced syrup, and angostura foam, it is served tableside right from your individual pot. You MUST order this when you go, it’s worth the $14. You can see the actual size of the cocktail when I went on my individual visit below to the right, the taster to the left shows the lovely layers that appear as the liquid is poured into the angostura foam tableside.

Speaking of prices, the Heathman says they have happy hour from 2pm until Close? But, it seems they have a bit of confusion on the difference between “being open” versus “happy hour with some items discounted”. When I visited there were no discounts on anything in the menu except for a special $6.95 Happy Hour Burger… which is only available 4pm-6pm and 9pm-midnight, versus their regular Bistro Burger (with choices of cheddar, swiss or pepperjack) at $13. Adding blue cheese or adding bacon is $2, adding pommes frites is $3 extra, and adding foie gras is an additional $18.

The prices of these cocktails reflect the fact that the Heathman is aware of its upscale level thanks to being closely located so it is walkable to various venues for performing arts shows in the neighborhood, and the travellers staying here at the hotel or downtown. The cheapest cocktail is $10, and most are in the $12-14 range. Everything is high quality, but the bill total does add up- especially because you will likely want to try more than 1 of those tasty drinks I shared!

In terms of food, I sampled two hot small plates, Carlton Farms Pork Cheek with squash puree and chive beluga lentils and Nettle Risotto with stinging nettles and parmesan. The risotto of the day varies depending on what is in season and available in high quality condition from local purveyors. There was also complimentary bread and butter service as I awaited my cocktail, an unexpected treat since usually don’t get this unless you have dinner, so this touch was definitely noticed by me.

Thanks to G for attending with me to help me try these various tasty cocktails at the Heathman Cocktail Menu Launch event. For more gorgeous photos of the event, please see the blog of stellar photographer Aubrie LeGault at Capturing Grace’s post Heathman Cocktail Menu – I love how she is always so exquisitely captures deliciousness and the personality of food and drink! Fellow bloggers at Thyme of Taste also did a nice recap of the Heathman Cocktail Event, including the flaming of the Flaming Green Eyed Daiquiri in a few photos, and Courtney Z Photography’s post Bottoms Up! got some nice photos of the jazz band.

Which of these cocktails do you think you would want to try?

Disclosure: I attended a complimentary cocktail menu launch event, but then visited again on my own dime during normal operations. I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.