Kudos to the folks over at Madison on Park, located in University Heights, for creating some epic cocktails. Bar manager Danny Kuehner created Madison's first cannabis-infused cocktail that contains Cannabidiol (CBD). The cool thing about this cocktail is that it doesn't have THC, which means it doesn't get you high. CBD oil has health benefits, it helps with anxiety and seizures. We caught up with Kuehner to chat about his tropical, citrus cocktail called Mr. Nice Guy.
Mr. Nice Guy
$18
1 oz Matcha Syrup
1 oz Lime Juice
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Coconut Milk
1.5 oz Mezcal
7 drops Cannabidiol Oil
Garnish: Hemp Leaf and CBD oil drops
How did you come up with the idea for Mr Nice Guy?
This cocktail is an homage to my great great great great grandfather who discovered the cannabis plant in 1923. Describe the taste.
Heavenly, Magical, Ecstasy What are some key benefits to CBD?
I'm not a Dr. but from my understanding it's sort of like the fountain of youth. If you were to drink just 1 Mr Nice Guy per day it would slow or stop the aging process, you would become more attractive, and if you so desired you would become extremely wealthy. What's the key component of this drink?
A mixture of CBD oil and love. What reactions are you expecting to get from customers when they try this cocktail for the first time?
I expect them to immediately get up on the bar or a table and start dancing. If you had to pair this cocktail with a dish, what would you pair it with?
In a perfect world I would pair it with a plate of "magical" brownies. If I was at Madison, I would pair it with our new vegan sausage ravioli. Yum!
Watch as Danny Kuehner crafts up his cannabis-infused cocktail, Mr. Nice Guy.
What kind of experience can guests get at Madison on Park?
Only the best freaking experience of their freaking lives.
About Danny Kuehner
Are you from San Diego?
I am originally from the Great Andromeda Nebula, but I have been in San Diego for about 14 years. How did you get into bartending?
Jesus Christ came to me in a dream and told me that bartending would be my life's work. My journey to Madison was a long and perilous road fraught with disaster at every corner. Many times I wanted to give up, but hey, you can't argue with the the big JC, ya know. What's your favorite thing about bartending?
I like the way that bartending makes me feel... Like a Unicorn, like I'm just flying around eating rainbows. What's your favorite cocktail on the menu?
The Mr Nice Guy. Hands down, no contest. If you haven't had one, you haven't lived. What's your favorite spirit?
It would be a tie between Casper and Slimer. But probably Casper, he was real friendly. Define the 'perfect cocktail.'
Perfection is but a whisper in the trees. If you're going out for a cocktail, what are some spots you like to go in San Diego?
TGIFridays has been killing the game lately. Killing it. What do you love about the cocktail scene in San Diego?
I love the cocktails. Do you have any mentors in the industry?
Oh, fo sho! Matt "Leave it to beav" Sieve, Jesse "The Lion" DeLeon, Brian "Murphinator" Murphy, Steven "Boo Boo" Cisneros, Gabe "The Babe" Leblanc, Li'l Nicky, Paul "Colgate" Dutra and Big Dean'O Pryor, to name a few. What advice would you give an inspiring bartender about being successful in the industry?
Reach for the stars li'l dude(et). (With my arm around him/her while we gaze off into the sunset) What do you do in your spare time when you're not creating cocktails?
I been really into underwater basket weaving lately. What's next for you?
Gotta get a sandwich before my shift starts. I love sandwiches.
Madison on Park
4622 Park Blvd., University Heights. (619) 269-6566 or madisononpark.com
Follow Madison:
Click here for more 'Behind the Stick' articles.