Exclusive First Look: The New "Astrology" Menu at Grand Army
Debuting Tomorrow at Grand Army Bar!
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I Saw The Sign
Since Grand Army first opened their doors in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, in 2015, the acclaimed corner bar has curated a devoted fanbase who highly anticipate the latest reveal of their deep-dive, seasonal themed cocktail menus built around a sometimes quirky, and usually unexpected, concept.
Here’s a look back at the full lineup of themes that have been featured since the beginning.
A Brief History of Grand Army’s Many Theme Menus
Fall 2015: Trains and Railroads
Winter 2016: State Parks of Oklahoma
Spring 2016: Pink Drinks
Summer 2016: High-School Prom
Fall 2016: Political Scandals
Winter 2017: Scandinavian Black Metal Albums
Spring 2017: Gilmore Girls
Fall 2017: The Brothers Grimm
Spring 2018: My Little Pony
Fall 2018: Townes Van Zandt
Spring 2019: Space Cowgirls
Summer 2019: Gemstones
Fall 2019: Monster Trucks
Winter 2020: Sade
Spring/Summer 2020: *No Theme Due to Pandemic
Fall 2020/Winter 2021: Compilation of Greatest Hits
Spring/Summer 2021: Nicolas Cage
Fall 2021/Winter 2022: Famous Cats in History [Dedicated to Louis!]
Spring/Summer 2022: Spice Girls
Fall 2023/Winter 2022: Game Shows
Spring 2023: Greatest Hits
Summer 2023: Summer Camp
Fall 2023/Winter 2024: Mean Girls
Spring 2024/Summer 2024: Grand Ole Army
[drumroll…]
And now, in a LAST CALL exclusive, we’re pleased to announce that the new Fall 2024 menu theme launching tomorrow, Wednesday, October 16 is….
[cymbal crash!]
Astrology
Breaking Down the New “Astrology” Drinks Menu with Patty Dennison
Last Friday I spent the afternoon at Grand Army with Head Bartender Patty Dennison for a sneak peek at the “Astrology” menu, which features 12 cocktails, including a “house shot,” frozen drink, and a non-alcoholic offering. She took the time to walk me through each drink as she made it, breaking down all the ingredients and specs along with each drink’s origin story, its creator, and how it fits into the overall theme of the “Astrology” menu.
It turns out this season’s theme was hard to come by compared to past subjects. For a while they were toying around with the idea of “Conspiracy Theories” but this being an election year and that fact that too many people actually believe that Democrats are controlling the path of hurricanes and so many other fabulist plots put this idea back in the box.
And how does Patty feel about astrology as a way to guide her life? “Most people here at the bar are really into it, but I don't believe in it a ton,” she says. “But it's a little spooky so I don’t want to ‘eff around with it too much.”
While the bar team is serious about their cocktails, there’s an undeniable sense of playfulness on display—and in the glass—that adds another immersive layer to the whole affair. Grand Army mascot and spirit animal Mr. ET even gets a Miss Cleo-like makeover as psychic Mr. Madam ET. And be on the lookout for an LED “PSYCHIC” sign and staff birth charts in the Bathroom Gallery, the usual lineup of killer merch (beanies are back!), and plenty of surprises.
Miss Patty herself predicts which of the new drinks will be received as…
Banger: Leo
Sleeper: Capricorn
Most Adventurous: Cancer
Staff Favorite: Libra
Aries
(March 21 - April 19)
Shall we start with a shot? Seems like a good idea. The goal of bartender Austin Macon’s Aries was to come up with a house shot that embraced the qualities of a “jazzed up” fancy Fireball. “Aries are fire signs and known for making quick, rash decisions,” says Dennison, “so it seemed perfectly comical to take on Fireball, but set out to make it better.”
This batched and served ice-cold shot starts off with a toasted marshmallow kick from a split-base of Laird’s Straight Apple Brandy Bottled in Bond and Mount Gay Black Barrel Barbados Rum. To bring on the heat, Macon turned to Scrappy’s Bitter Fire Tincture, a Cinnamon Distillate from Matchbook Distilling Co., a housemade Spiced Pomegranate Syrup spiked with toasted cinnamon for a bit of acidity, and aromatic St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram. The whole affair is brightened with a splash of La Cigarrera Amontillado Sherry. There’s a lot going on in that little shot glass, and though it might warrant contemplative sipping, I’m certain this will be knocked back with aplomb by industry regulars.