CLAWSON, Mich. – Seasons are always changing here in Michigan, and if there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that Weiss Distilling Co. will change along with them.
With the introduction of its latest “Weiss in the Wild” jungle theme to kick off the summer, the Downtown Clawson cocktail bar continues to establish itself as one of the most creative bars in Metro Detroit. No where else can you experience their revolving door of playful themes that all but guarantee a new experience each time you stop in.
Wrapping itself in flora, fauna, and striking green lighting, the atmosphere at Weiss has transformed into a tropical rainforest for the summer -- and, yes, they do even mimic the rain. The bar room somehow expertly balances its sophisticated interior with silly and fun theme details, like monkeys hanging from the ceiling, and even tinier ones hanging from your drink glass.
Those behind Weiss are experts at detail. Beyond the branded elephant cocktail glasses and staff safari hats you’ll find at the bar, owner Dennis Weiss even went as far as having Weiss in the Wild collectable coins made -- and if you find one out in the community, you can bring it in for a free shot.
The jungle-inspired menu rolled out last week, and features a mix of 25 inventive new concoctions and some favorites from previous themes “Halloweiss” and “Weiss on Ice.” I had the pleasure of sampling the Weiss in the Wild menu as it launched, and I’d argue it’s their best one yet.
Here were some of my favorite new drinks:
- A Decade In Blue - My favorite drink on this menu, and possibly my favorite ever at Weiss. It’s an approachable absinthe-based cocktail that isn’t too black liquorice-y. It’s creamy, smooth, and somehow ... soft? It was like drinking a sweet cloud with coconut and taro. Definitely try this.
- Old Fashioned - Obviously a classic, but with a Weiss twist. First of all: They’ve finally introduced bourbon into their lineup! As the owner attests, the bourbon is still quite young, so it does still have a bite -- but it was delicious anyway. The citrusy smell and taste alone was so invigorating and inviting, I could’ve chugged the whole thing (but I didn’t).
- Topsy’s Revenge - The most popular drink of the menu so far, according to staff, and I can see why: It’s a delicious, juicy, easy-to-sip vodka-based cocktail served in a literal elephant glass. It’s very cute! The fruitiness you’d expect in a summer cocktail is balanced by sultry vanilla oak bitters. Be sure to ask the bartender about the drink’s name.
- Weiss-A-Rita - A margarita, but made with moonshine instead of tequila. It still has that familiar margarita feel, and tasty chili-salt coating the rim, but is slightly different from what you’d expect. The flavors are strong, but don’t feel heavy. It’s a tangy, tasty summer drink.
- The Summer of Western Lotus - My second-favorite from this menu, hands down. It’s an airy gin-based cocktail with an emphasis on fruit. So much so, it actually has a sort of Froot Loops cereal aftertaste (in the best way). It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and perfectly creamy. Couldn’t recommend it more.
- Doctor Mom - If you like a smoky bourbon drink, this one’s for you. The smoky smell is nice and intense, but isn’t too overpowering in the taste itself. A perfect balance. The young bourbon is strong, and pairs nicely with citrusy and woody notes. It gets spicier with each sip you take. Yum.
- The Real Macaw - This is a mixed shot -- which they do really well at Weiss. Served in an adorable parrot shooter, the rum-and-fruit shot plays on a traditional rum runner. The cherry in this is extra special. A perfect little sipper.
Every few months, the staff at Weiss collaborate to create a new cocktail menu, literally inventing and refining recipes that are one-of-a-kind and on-theme. With quite a few months under their belt now, it’s clear the staff are honing in on their specific skills and tastes, and are perfecting their execution.
Consistently through each theme, Weiss showcases its ability to establish a setting that is fun and welcoming, while still cool and mysterious.
I’m obviously a big fan, but for good reason: Every time I visit Weiss, I’m more and more impressed with the attention to detail in the decor, the drinks, and the service. They’re not just another bar; they go above and beyond to create a memorable experience and environment for everyone who stops in. The best part is they have fun doing it, and it shows.
Craft cocktail lovers and novices alike can certainly find something they’ll like at Weiss, and the friendly staff is eager to help. The space has a few lounge tables throughout, but I enjoy sitting on the velvety seats at the bar, chatting with the bartenders, and watching them mix the magic.
To the speakeasy that does a seriously good job without taking itself too seriously: I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Check out the full Weiss in the Wild menu below.