A glance at the drinks menu at Schout Bay Tavern reveals some familiar cocktails such as the Manhattan, and unique creations ranging from the North Shore to the Fire Fox.
One beverage stands out among the rest, but baseball fans who stop by for a drink may be disappointed to learn the true story behind “The Babe” cocktail isn’t about Babe Ruth.
“It’s named for Barbara ‘Babe’ Cushing Mortimer Paley, a famous socialite from the ’50s and ’60s who had a home in Manhasset,” says Pete Keogh, who opened Schout Bay Tavern, a gastropub that serves locally sourced and organic ingredients whenever possible, in Manhasset four years ago.
While she was known for being a fashion and style icon in addition to her socialite status, Paley’s husband, William S. Paley, was famous in his own right. He helped build CBS into the media conglomerate it is today. She passed in 1978 and the couple’s final resting place is in Cold Spring Harbor.
Ingredients in Schout Bay Tavern’s The Babe cocktail include Código 1530 Rosa Tequila, agave and lime.
“We built this cocktail around the Codigo 1530 Rosa Tequila,” Keogh says. “It’s a blanco that’s rested for one month in Napa cabernet barrels. We wanted to make a simple cocktail, and a little agave and lime worked well.”
Making The Babe is simple. Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass, add ice cubes and shake. Strain into a cold cocktail glass with a salted rim. Garnish with a lime wheel.
“The Babe is a fresh, crisp cocktail,” he says. “It’s a great alternative to a margarita for those who want something a little less sweet. It’s been so popular that we can’t take it off our list.”
Schout Bay Tavern is located at 118 Plandome Rd. in Manhasset. It can be reached at 516-627-2190 or schoutbaytavern.com
