The craft cocktails and award-winning wines of the North Fork are rolling into a backyard near you. Convenience and quality — and perhaps a dash of novelty — are making mobile cocktail bars a go-to for backyard barbecues, bridal showers, birthday parties and just about any private event.
Restaurants and mixologists are transforming vintage vans and pickups into state-of-the-art beverage trucks.
These are more than just pretty bars on wheels, each is staffed with expert bartenders who know how to mix a proper Old Fashioned or can guide you to the perfect fruit-forward rosé.
Good Libations
This on-the-go cocktail truck, which specializes in frozen craft drinks, is the brainchild of longtime mixologist David Cammarota. With more than two decades of experience behind the bar (he currently serves up drinks at top North Fork cocktail bar Brix & Rye in Greenport), Cammarota doesn’t take shortcuts when it comes to his Good Libations.
Many of the ingredients, such as strawberries, blueberries and watermelon, are sourced directly from local farms and, in lieu of store-bought mixers and juices, the simple syrups are made in-house from cane sugar. The citrus juices are hand-squeezed immediately before an event.
“We spend a lot of time doing it right,” Cammarota said. “That is why it tastes so good.”
The colorful mint green Good Libations truck is a completely restored 1950 Ford Railway Express truck that stands out with a retro surfboard-shaped bartop. There is an option to personalize the drink menu with frozen and non-frozen mixed offerings and signature cocktails that Cammarota will help you concoct.
“Customization is part of the fun,” he said. “It is not cookie-cutter rum and Coke; it is specialized.”
The truck is available for parties through the fall.
For more information, visit goodlibationstruck.com.
Jamesport Manor’s Bar and Food Truck
This fully restored 1953 GMC potato truck pulls double duty, serving up food and drinks for party guests. Stocked with a variety of local craft beer, wine, cider and spirits, these adult drinks can be sipped solo or infused into a custom cocktail.
“These are high-end libations, not your run-of-the-mill mixed drinks,” owner Matt Kar said. “It is an exciting addition for guests who are looking for a little something different.”
Kar, who owns Jamesport Manor Inn, helps his customers create signature cocktails or themed beer- and wine-pairing menus. Food selections include everything from a raw bar or Tuscan station to fun finger foods, like tacos and gourmet grilled cheeses.
It is not limited to late-day affairs, either. The truck is equipped to serve brunch, with a breakfast buffet and bloody Mary and mimosa bar. Its rustic vibe, with reclaimed barn wood and brick finishes, gives it a look and feel suited for a festive atmosphere.
“It is a conversation-starter,” Kar said. “People love the idea of it.”
For more information, visit jamesportmanor.com.