The Polar Espresso at The Den at Hush.
The Den at Hush
168 Center Street, Unit 216
Southington, CT
Behind a bookcase inside Hush Spa in Southington’s Factory Square, visitors will find a secret sipping spot and lounge called The Den. “The Den at Hush in Southington is meant to feel like a little hidden escape,” said Co-owner Katie Kiss. “It has that cozy, speakeasy vibe—dim, intimate, and welcoming—the kind of place where you can actually relax, have a conversation, and stay for more than one drink.” Kiss co-owns the spa and The Den at Hush with her cousin and business partner, Heather Perra. Both bring experience from their careers spent in the hospitality and spa and wellness industries. The Den offers a curated and intentional menu of craft cocktails, made to order with fresh local ingredients, supporting other area small businesses along the way. All of the bar’s mixers and syrups are batched in-house by Beth Kiss, Katie’s mother-in-law, affectionately known as the “Den Mother,” adding a personal, cozy touch that personifies the heart of The Den.
Cocktail: The Polar Espresso
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. coffee liqueur
- 1 oz. fresh espresso from Perkatory Coffee Roasters
- 0.25 oz. dark chocolate syrup
- 0.25 oz. peppermint simple syrup from The Crafted Cocktail
- 1 dash vanilla bitters
The Polar Espresso at The Den at Hush.
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice. Double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a cocoa dusting and three espresso beans.
“When we came together as a team to discuss which drink to highlight, this one felt like the perfect fit,” said Co-owner Katie Kiss. “The Den is becoming known for our Old Fashioned and our Espresso Martini. It was important to us that our winter feature reflected the same level of care and quality—while also showing our love for supporting small businesses,” she said. “Featuring espresso from Perkatory Coffee Roasters right downstairs and a peppermint simple syrup from our friends at The Crafted Cocktail, this cozy cocktail was inspired by my love of peppermint mocha lattes and has quickly become a guest favorite.”
