One of my favorite spots in Akron is The Spotted Owl. The time, attention and creativity they put into every drink is astounding. Their summer concept—Twin Palms—is all about the warm, open air patio and cool drinks that you make at your table. (Or they’ll gladly make them for you.) (Or! You can order your drinks to go and enjoy them at home.)
My friend Rachel* joined me last week for a couple rounds at Twin Palms at The Spotted Owl. Instead of sharing them with you using a boring old rating system, I came up with a series of Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How questions. Explore our thoughts and feelings on the cocktails, and read through to the end for some trivia questions to test your knowledge of this favorite local business.
Then be sure to visit The Spotted Owl in Akron (60 S. Maple Street, Akron, Ohio 44303) for some amazing cocktails! Bonus points if you discuss the drinks using the questions below.
*I know it’s confusing with my name being Rachel as well. In this post, friend-Rachel will be known as Rachel B., and I will be known as Ray. We used to work together and that’s how people told us apart. 😉
Round 1
Rachel B.’s first drink: French 75
Who would be the ultimate bartender to make this drink for you?
Emma Stone – We look alike and she’s fun. She’s All-American like this fair lemonade drink.
What celebrity would you want to share this drink with?
Keanu Reeves… obviously I feel like he would be a genuine joy to be around.
Where does this drink transport you?
To the book “The Night Circus,” if they had an adults-only cocktail lounge.
When is the best time to drink this cocktail? (Day, time, mood, etc.)
Mid-afternoon, summer day to just relax
Why would you get this drink again? (Or would you not?)
I get this drink every time I’m here.
How does this drink make you feel?
Bubbly! It’s hard to not feel happy while having this.
Ray’s first drink: Rosewater Julep
Who would be the ultimate bartender to make this drink for you?
Charlie Cox, the actor in the movie “Stardust” and the “Daredevil” Netflix show. This cocktail feels British and posh, but not at all stuffy. Which is what I assume Charlie is like.
What celebrity would you want to share this drink with?
Hozier. Maybe he’d also sing to me.
Where does this drink transport you?
A spring garden
When is the best time to drink this cocktail? (Day, time, mood, etc.)
Sunday morning… rain is falling… (Yes, I just quoted Maroon 5, I’m so sorry)
Why would you get this drink again? (Or would you not?)
It’s a great drink to start an evening, and then get dinner and more drinks.
How does this drink make you feel?
Romantic and flirty
Round 2
Rachel B.’s second drink: Jungle Bird (non-alcoholic cocktail)
Who would be the ultimate bartender to make this drink for you?
Captain Jack Sparrow! This drink has a very pirate vibe to it. But also… “Where’s the rum?!”
What celebrity would you want to share this drink with?
Neil Gaiman! He’s the type of writer who could accurately describe this drink.
Where does this drink transport you?
Tulum for a yoga retreat with Kathryn Budig
When is the best time to drink this cocktail? (Day, time, mood, etc.)
Definitely towards the end of a hot, summer night to close things out
Why would you get this drink again? (Or would you not?)
I’m not a big alcohol drinker, so this is a great option
How does this drink make you feel?
Articulate and sultry, like an attractive professor… aka Neil Gaiman
Ray’s second drink: SPF 1000
Who would be the ultimate bartender to make this drink for you?
Ashley Graham … I think she’d have fun making it.
What celebrity would you want to share this drink with?
Idris Elba … it’s a fun and spicy drink, just like him. He’s a tall drink of SPF 1000…
Where does this drink transport you?
Reading a book on a lake
When is the best time to drink this cocktail? (Day, time, mood, etc.)
On a hot summer day, laying on a swan pool float in a large pool
Why would you get this drink again? (Or would you not?)
I would SPF 1000% get this drink again because it’s great!
How does this drink make you feel?
It makes me feel smart and fun and introverted and extroverted… all of the things, but in a well-balanced way… like the drink is all the things but in a well-balanced way.
Trivia Questions
The Spotted Owl team created some bar trivia questions so you can get in on the fun too! Take your best guess, then find the answers below each photo. Score a perfect 7 out of 7? Head to The Spotted Owl to celebrate!
Why did we decide to build our bar in West Hill?
We love historic buildings and the Old No. 3 Firehouse was too much to resist. Plus we just really believe in this neighborhood.
How did the SPF 1000 get its name?
The SPF 1000 was created by Jam (below), who has red hair. Because it has so much “ginger” in it, he named it SPF 1000..cuz gingers need lots of sunblock.
When did we first intro the Rosewater Julep on our menu?
Created by Taurell Bush (below on the left; Will is on the right) for the Spotted Owl’s “The Education of Cyrus” Persian Cocktail Menu in the Fall of 2017.
Who makes the best playlists?
Trick question: Mickey AND Tori, Mickey gets a lot of their playlist inspiration from Tori’s
- Mickey (they/them): @enbyfieri
- Tori (he/they): @wheres_thecatch
Who on the team has a hidden talent?
Jake (they/them) can do a perfect cartwheel! @jakesfavoriteweapon
What’s that big plant in the middle of your patio?
Gertrude, Gerdy, or Gerd the Bird—she’s a Birds of Paradise and we love her.
What do you play on that TV at the end of the bar?
Will watches NBA basketball on that TV—but the team has been known to put on an episode or two of Bob Ross during service. They find it relaxing.
Learn more about The Spotted Owl in Akron, Ohio, their amazing craft cocktails, and this summer’s Twin Palms concept, by following @spottedowlakron on Instagram and visiting their website. And be sure to swing by for a drink! If you ask nicely, maybe Jake (pictured above) will do a cartwheel for you!
Everyday Akron 