Kohinoor, One Of KC’s Newest Cocktail Bars, Is A Gem

With the cold weather, you’re probably not craving ice cream or a popsicle. That being said, you’re going to want to visit Kohinoor, KC’s newest Latin cocktail lounge, where they’re topping their concoctions with icy sweet treats despite the temperatures.

Kohinoor (also the name of one of the most famous diamonds in the world) opened in October underneath the downtown Pickwick Plaza Apartments (921 McGee St., KCMO). Former bartender and KC native Jasmine Rios wanted to bring her Mexican heritage to her bar, so you’ll find no shortage of tequila and mezcal on the menu. Rios says the staples are the aguas frescas, a michelada and a tequila sour infused with cherry. I’m a little partial to the Gwen, a bourbon-based cocktail named after the Hollaback icon herself, Gwen Stefani. It’s infused with a house-made brown sugar syrup and banana liqueur, then topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dehydrated banana (also an in-house process) and bedazzled with edible glitter. The stiff drink is warm and playful, bringing a little cheer as we all wait until spring.

As for that popsicle I mentioned, it sits atop the Lick Me Quick with tequila, tart tamarind and Mexican apple soda. The popsicle is technically a paleta, a Mexican frozen treat made of natural fruit. Rios sources it from the local paleta shop Palacana. 

Towering walls with large windows illuminate the deep jewel tones of Kohinoor’s interior, such as the emerald curtains and an orange carnelian couch. It all makes for a moody atmosphere when the sun goes down. If winter has you in hibernation mode, consider this your cue to venture out.

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