Serrano Pepper - Celery Gimlet

Drink: Serrano Pepper-Celery Gimlet
Type: Alcoholic
From: Extra Virgin
Price: $10
Description: Cool

Hopping up to the bar at Extra Virgin on a Tuesday afternoon, I was pleased to see Berto Santoro bartending, not only because he's incredibly talented (recently named Best Bartender by KC Magazine), but because he's also ridiculously nice and fun to be around. I asked him to make me something delicious, and he sure did deliver.

The drink: cool, spicy, refreshing, crisp.

Most people are probably used to the coolness from a lime cocktail, but the addition of celery adds a whole other level of crispness that is really nice. The pepper adds a tickle of spice in the back of the throat and great flavor without being overpowering or too spicy. It's a very well-balanced cocktail, super sip-able and very fun.

Arturo's Diva's Sangria

Drink: Arturo's Diva's Sangria
Type: Alcoholic
From: Tannin Wine Bar
Price: $10
Description: Tart

Nestled at Walnut Street and 16th is one of the nicest wine bars in Kansas City. Tannin offers a wine for every palate, with both by-the-glass and bottle options along with wine clubs that include specials, lockers, and discounted events. Along with wonderful wines, the food menu is spectacular. Get the crab dip to snack on while you sip on a glass in the upscale and comfortable space.

The drink: citrusy, light, sweet, smooth.

Made with LFV Rose, Salers, Pisco Capel, lemon, grapefruit, simple syrup, cava, and fresh fruit, this wonderfully tart and citrusy sangria has a natural and light sweetness to it. The wine has a warm spiciness that compliments the coolness from the citrus and temperature. It makes for a perfect cocktail for sipping on the patio on these warm fall afternoons.

Cafe au Lait

Drink: Cafe au Lait
Type: Coffee
From: Mildred's Coffeehouse
Price: $2.45
Description: Smooth

With locations both in The Crossroads and downtown on Main, this family owned and run coffeehouse has a very laid-back vibe that's perfect for settling down with a book or chatting up with friends. A cafe au lait is brewed coffee with steamed milk and foam. Mildred's has a brewed coffee station where you select your brew while the barista whips up the milk and foam. I chose the Mildred's Blend drip coffee, fully caffeinated.

The drink: creamy, light, nutty, smooth.

The foam was really great - it was fluffy, long lasting, and plenty of it. The Mildred's Blend coffee was mild, smooth, and nutty. All in all, a wonderful combination that I easily could have had multiple cups of. With the open and light space in the Crossroads location, it's a truly lovely and wonderful coffeehouse.