Hey Babe co-founder and mixologist Rob Hirst visited TABLE Studios recently to shake up a trio of heartfelt cocktails.

The pale and elegant façade of the East Liberty YMCA offers up a Beaux-Arts sort of elegance. If you succumb to its charms, you get that, and more. Thanks to Hey Babe, the bar and lounge that occupies the building’s ground floor lobby, you get the staff’s friendly faces and kind words, and a glowy, radiant space to sip, savor, and hang out with friends. Even when every seat is full, as it was on a recent visit, there’s an intimacy, a warmth, in the air. It’s a satisfying place to be.

That’s no accident. Founders Danielle Cain and Rob Hirst have 50 years of hospitality experience between them. Among the local spots they’ve been a part of are Casbah, Kaya, Soba, Mad Mex, Sienna Mercato, Round Corner Cantina, Kingfly, and Eleven. They’ve clearly identified the ingredients needed to make a bar that draws us in and keeps us coming back. They’ve deployed their knowledge wisely at Hey Babe.

Visit any evening except Sunday. There are no reservations. If that makes you hesitate, head over on weekdays between 4pm and 6pm for “Golden Hour.” In addition to special prices on beers, cocktails, and food, you’ll enjoy watching an evening at Hey Babe take shape.

Shake Up a Cocktail Recipe from Hey Babe’s Rob Hirst

Artist in Residence

In this Negroni-adjacent cocktail, Hayman’s Citrus Gin and Cynar are joined by Cherry Heering, Luxardo, and chocolate bitters. The notes of cherry and chocolate bring sensuality to this perfect winter quaff.

The Terms of My Surrender

Old Overholt Rye blends with Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum, cinnamon syrup, and lemon juice. You’ll find it quite easy to surrender to its sweet warmth. Who knows what brilliant ideas you’ll conjure up in a relaxed state? Nibble on the orange garnish until you hatch a plan.

Teacher’s Pet

Laird’s Apple Brandy, sage honey, lemon juice, and Peychaud’s Bitters are finished with a spray of Laphroaig. The scotch opens the tastebuds, making the notes of apple and honey more complex and more seductively delicious. Why does that 1980 hit by The Police, Don’t Stand So Close to Me, come to mind?

Mixology by Rob Hirst, Hey Babe
Story by Keith Recker
Photography by Dave Bryce

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