An interesting addition to the SanChez speciality cocktails, the Green Suede Margarita is a vegan-friendly, avocado-based libation. Sweet, sour and spicy all at once, the drink's unique ingredients formulate something truly unique. Pureed avocado, Cointreau, New Holland Hatter Royale Hopquila, pineapple juice, house-made sour mix, with a habanero sugar rim are combined, and then garnished with a cherry tomato and a cucumber squeegee meant to scoop up the rest.

The idea for the drink began with a bikini. Bartendress and artist Emily Johnston was working on a green suede bikini for Super Happy Funtime Burlesque performer Camille VanderWeide. The inspiration to make a drink reminiscent of the fabric came thusly.

The hopquila is not like a tequila. It's a clear grain alcohol dry hopped with Cascade hops, giving it a citrus flavor. When mixed in with the rest of the drink's components, the resulting flavor is one of natural, fruit sweetness, with a hint of sour and the creaminess of the avocado, without the heaviness of actual cream. The kick comes in at the onset, from the crushed habanero powder/sugar rim.

"I aim drinks at the certain kinds of people who want to drink them," Johnston said. "This one's for the quirky vegetarian."

Johnston hopes to push people's perception of what a drink should be by using non-traditional ingredients, like vegetables, in her creations. The fusion between SanChez's kitchen and bar makes for a complete experience — Johnston was quickly able to suggest the perfect complimentary tapas, and said that the two parts of the restaurant frequently compare resources to see what they can come up with.

Green Suede Margarita is available through September at San Chez, located at 38 W. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids for $9.99. (616) 774-8272.

Photo: Anthony Nowack