Brown Bear from Civil Kitchen

Confession: I’m a bit of a wimp, so whiskey and the like can be a little harsh for my pansy palate. But on a recent, rainy Friday dinner with my husband at Civil Kitchen (107 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-501-8456, civilsgf.com), I decided to bust out of my red-wine rut when the Brown Bear—featuring Four Roses Bourbon, 4 Hands Brewing Co.’s Cast Iron Oatmeal Brown ale and house-made cream soda—caught my eye. Served on ice in a snifter, the bourbon was wonderfully warming and nicely balanced by the rich, chocolatey notes of the beer and the frothy soda’s subtle sweetness. All in all, the smooth sipper was just right for winding down from a busy week, watching the rain come down and expanding my cocktail-hour horizons.