Yacht Club sailed into illume Rooftop Restaurant for an epic nerd bar takeover
As the sun set over the Disney tourist district, guests at illume Rooftop Restaurant were swept away on one momentous evening. Beyond the delicate cherry blossoms that welcome guests off the elevator, fun, frivolity, and a touch of the fantastic awaited. While the sailor hats might have been a good indication, that come sail away moment was more than just a simple nighttime cruise to a award winning libation. This Yacht Club does not require a membership, but it asks that guests leave that pretentious vibe on the shore.
Locals and tourists are enamored with the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek’s illume Rooftop Restaurant. From its stunning views to its impressive food and beverage offerings, it is always a top choice in Orlando restaurant scene.
On July 11, the vibrant space was transformed with a very different vibe. In partnership with Bacardi and Nestle Premium Waters, Denver’s Yacht Club took over the space. One of the World's 50 Best Bars in 2023, the anti-club club gave guests a taste of what they do best. Curious, flavorful, nuanced cocktails paired with some delicious hot dogs.
For those unfamiliar with Denver’s Yacht Club, the concept is far different that the stuffy, well-mannered old school membership clubs. Forget that old school Bushwood visual. There is no trust fund requirement or preppy dress code.
Denver’s Yacht Club might refer to itself as the anti-club club, but it is far more than a can of Old Style and a bowl of Corn Nuts. Yes, there is a nod to a dive bar, but the shag carpet and sticky floor has been replaced with a modern, exciting take that focuses on welcoming inclusion with a dash of the unexpected.
That notion is clear with their cocktails. During the special event at illume, the Yacht Club team brought some of their signature libations and created a special cocktail in honor of their host restaurant. Specifically for the Orlando event, the team offered Beginner’s Luck. The take on the classic Rob Roy looked delicate in the glass, but it was definitely not old school. The Ambrato and Fermented Honey offered depth. Never overpowering, the Japanese inspired cocktail was a lovely nod to the host restaurant.
The cocktail of the night was Yacht Club’s signature The Hidden Valley Ranch Water. While many people appreciate the light, refreshing Ranch Water, this option is not that tequila based cocktail with a dollop of HVR on top. This sophisticated sipper is what the creative team does best. It offers a nod to the familiar, yet it twists the conversation in a way that no one saw coming.
Watching the Yacht Club mixologists create this cocktail, the concept seems to start with a science experiment moment. As 2L bottles get force carbonated, the magic begins. Those tiny bubbles are not about singing a Don Ho lyric. They are meant to bubble up the excitement for a savory cocktail that is perfect on a warm summer night.
Those herbaceous notes, especially the dill, are vibrant and bright. It hits all the flavor notes that people expect with from that ranch condiment, without the creaminess. It is truly a game changer.
Of course, a food pairing makes this cocktail even more special. Similar to what the Yacht Club team offers at the Denver bar, the food of the night was hot dogs. But, these dogs were not dragged through the garden or served with a squirt of ketchup.
The Caviar Dog captures what Yacht Club does best. It is the familiar with a little bougie twist. Sure, a great tasting hot dog always satisfies, but it can be more than just that old school simplicity. A heaping amount of caviar, egg, and some pickled onions make it even better. It might not be caviar on Pringles or with Bugles, but it is the combination that proves high and low can always find a way to come together.
While this special event at illume was for one night only, the pop-up concept deserves more attention. Denver’s Yacht Club is a unique concept. Beyond its vibe, it is the use of forfeited wine in its cocktails that makes this bar special. Few mixologists put this concept front and center. Maybe these pop-ups can inspire the other bars to infuse that ingredient into some of their new cocktails.
Additionally, these special events will get people excited about visiting Yacht Club in Denver. Whether it is sipping on one of their signature cocktails, enjoying a taste of one of their impressive wines from the expansive collection, or just ordering that 7-11, there are plenty of reasons to find at seat at the bar and sail away into this special experience.
The illume Rooftop Bar at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek was one of several locations that hosted the Yacht Club pop-up event. The event was held on July 11. An additional event will be held in Arizona later this summer.
Yacht Club is located at 3701 N Williams ST Denver, CO 80205. The JW Marriott at Bonnet Creek and illume restaurant is located at 14900 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando, FL 32821.