Eponymous Cocktails: The Rusty Knot
In our latest installment of Eponymous Cocktails, we travel to the banks of the mighty Hudson River to speak and drink with Toby Maloney, the cocktail director for The Rusty Knot. As always, Eponymous Cocktails is co-production with our good friends at A Medium Format.
DBTH: Please tell us how the concept for the Rusty Knot’s cocktail menu came about.
Toby Maloney: I knew it was going to have five drinks, and we decided that the drinks would be Tiki inspired.
DBTH: Why Tiki and why five?
TM: Well, the Rusty Knot is obviously nautically themed, and it just kind of grew organically from there. I had found this amazing Tiki bar in Chicago where I have the Violet Hour, and I went to check that out and it was just this amazing space. Terrible drinks, but an amazing space, and it inspired me to try to re-think what is considered Tiki. And five drinks because I only do things in prime numbers.
DBTH: So how is this concept applied at the Rusty Knot?
TM: We re-interpreted the drinks using only fresh ingredients. Normal Tiki uses so many bottled sweetners with artificial flavors, so we moved away from that. For example, the house cocktails all use our home made sour mix as a base. This place is so packed every night that the staff doesn’t have to time to muddle each drink as it’s ordered. The bartenders pre make it and it allows them to crank out hundreds of these drinks a night.
DBTH: Let’s talk about the Rusty Knot itself. What did everyone want it to be?
TM: Well, Taavo told me that the drink had to be frozen, had to be served in a plastic glass, and needed to cost $7. He wanted it to be moderately priced, just like the tap beers and cans. It’s that kind of place.
DBTH: That price point limits your options a bit. Where do you go from there?
TM: Well, I had 6 or 7 things in mind. After we tried them out, this one was the clear winner.
DBTH: What is the Rusty Knot?
TM: (laughing) It’s a Frozen Trinidadian Mint Daiquiri made with fresh mint, rum, sour mix, and blended with crushed ice. Try it.
DBTH: Very refreshing.
TM: Exactly. These are the drinks that I would want if I swam up to a pool bar when I was on vacation.
DBTH: Are you surprised at the success of the Rusty Knot?
TM: No. When you put Taavo and Ken together, you know you are going to draw a crowd. But what I am surprised at is the success of the cocktails. People love them!
DBTH: And did you enjoy putting the menu together and helping oversee it?
TM: Yeah! It was great putting this menu together, doing something a bit more wistful then a normal cocktail lounge. We’re still fine tuning the operation, but I am very happy with the results.
Down By The Hipster
Reader Comments (9)
The 'Rusty Knot' is my most favorite summer drink - second only to the 'Tiger Woods' served at Cafe Cluny. I especially love the plastic mermaid they finish it off with. She keeps me company all night
You lie TK, she's a he!
love that first shot. tobey maloney is the man.
My only memory of Toby and the Knot is an after party for the best new chefs event, I believe I had an amazing time. Needless to say I was a bit embarrassed the next day when I had to retrieve my wallet cell phone and glasses, I did however leave my dignity at the bar. All I clearly remembered was being dragged out high fiving and hugging the bar staff. Good times :)
The Rusty Knot used to be cool, but now its obnoxious and overrated. The doorman's a bastard, (I know... shocking!), and its an all-around unpleasant place.
Place scks!
tell us how you really feel.
Why does the amazing pulled pork sandwich get no love? That thing is god's gift to the hungry.
regardless of the douchebaggery of this place, the drink are frankly NOT god. The "Rusty Knot" and the "Spiced Colada" both taste like watery crap and the Zombie has the sweetness of penny candy-AND it's not nearly as strong as Zombie should be. THis place is a downright INSULT to tiki drinks.