Monsoon East's Signature Folly Mansion Cocktail

Bellevue, Wash.'s Monsoon East is already known for its groundbreaking (and locally sourced) Vietnamese cuisine; now, its adding cocktails to its repertoire. Bar manager Jon Christiansen has taken over the cocktial program at Monsoon East to add summer cocktails that blend in well with the menu. "Traditionally, preserved limes, pomelo, and jackfruit show up in Vietnamese drink recipes," says Christiansen. "I take some liberties, leaning toward other tropical flavors and herbs that are either indigenous to Vietnam or complement the bright flavors of citrus, fish sauce, spicy herbs, and savory sauces." How does Christiansen add on such flavors to the menu? With housemade tonic and syrups (like pineapple gomme and orgeat), liqueur foams, hickory smoke, and varieties of ice. His Folly Mansion cocktail, now on the restaurant's updated cocktail menu, will be sure to intrigue diners and imbibers.