Enjoyed: Sunday, May 16, 2021

Listed on the menu: Yes, as Old Fashioned Mule.

Ingredients: Evan Williams Whiskey, Angostura bitters, orange, cherry, ginger beer, and served in a Moscow Mule copper mug.

The occasion: My sister’s family invited me along for a belated Mother’s Day supper. As always, I enjoy spending time with my nieces and learning about their adventures.

My rating: ** out of 5. In all fairness, our server did say he could make me a “regular” Old Fashioned, but I was intrigued by the version on the menu. Someone had gone to the trouble of creating this cocktail, and placing it toward the top of the drink list, so I was game. Old Fashioneds are tasty, Moscow Mules are tasty, but this fusion of the two left much to be desired.  The whiskey flavor hit my palate first, and then the ginger beer, which lingered on without zest or sweetness. The ginger did not complement the bitter orange flavors at all. The combination just felt wrong.

Final thoughts: Radius’ website boasts of being selected “Northwest Indiana Restaurant of the Year” in both 2019 and 2020. The award-winning burger I ate (The Chefs of Steel Signature Triple B Burger with blueberry bourbon bacon jam, grilled jalapeno cream cheese, smoked bacon, lettuce, and tomato, on a toasted pretzel bun) delighted my palate with its flavors. Did the chef approve the cocktail menu, though? I should have asked what beverage the chef recommended to go with that awesome burger.