click to enlarge

Hailey Bollinger

Aster happened by mistake. When the owners of Sleepy Bee Café were renovating their new restaurant space on Fourth Street downtown, they discovered something unexpected — a third floor with expansive ceilings and beautiful wooden beams. After uncovering this special space, the team decided to turn it into a social sippery, a casual cocktail space above the café where friends can gather and relax while enjoying chef-inspired drinks. Beverage director Giacomo Ciminello — known as much for his distinctive handlebar mustache as the boozy milkshakes he has made a staple at Sundry and Vice cocktail bar in Over-the-Rhine — worked with chef Frannie Kroner and sous Emma Cotter to create a menu that brought “the farm to the cocktail world.” Standouts include the Fig Dandy, a fig syrup, bourbon and dandelion tea concoction, and the Voodoo Lily, a carrot-orange coconut milk and rum cocktail with a kick of curry. Tapping into the latest trend in mixology, there’s also a smattering of non-alcoholic and low ABV cocktails that go beyond soda and virgin mixed drinks to accommodate everyone in your party. Coming soon? Socials — carafes of drinks for sharing with friends old and new. Aster, 8 E. Fourth St., Downtown, asteronfourth.com.