Many of the Lounge Lizards were born and raised in a Great Lake state, so big lakes are not new to us. Big lakes that overlook mountains, though, are somewhat of a novelty. A beautiful example of such a lake is Flathead Lake which is nestled in the Rockies of northern Montana. Flathead Lake, which is just a bit smaller than Lake Winnebago, is dotted with bars, breweries, and distilleries for locals and visitors alike.
When we visited, we found little cabins to rent just outside the city of Bigfork which lies on the north shore of the lake. We got to the cabins too early for the staff and they recommended a casual bar on the lakeshore called The Raven. We suspect the cabins and The Raven have the same owners since they were both decked out in a Caribbean theme.
Cocktails at The Raven may have a tropical name and pedigree, but the northern vibe absolutely showed through. Its baskets of hand-cut fries, its small bar kitchen, and its locals slamming suds read more Wisconsin dive bar than Jamaican tiki bar. And nothing read ‘Montana’ more than the myriad of huckleberry elements in the drinks. See, Montana loves it some huckleberries. They have huckleberry everything- pies, jams, ice creams, and, yes, cocktails. So, when in Rome… here’s the huckleberry drink I had at The Raven.
Drink: The Huckleberry Fizz
Establishment: The Raven
Location: Bigfork, Montana
First Connoisseur: Holly
2 ounces gin (The Raven uses Whistling Andy Pink Peppercorn Gin)
½ ounce huckleberry syrup
7up or club soda
Combine gin and huckleberry in an iced mixing class. Stir to incorporate and cool the drink. Strain. Top with 7up or club soda. Gently stir to keep the carbonation.
