(Photo from www.abbottsquare.org ) 

Next time you’re visiting Santa Cruz,  Abbott Square in downtown is a must. It’s the place to go for an afternoon or evening drink and bite to eat! This hip community gathering spot with multiple dining and drinking options and plenty of outdoor seating, opened a year ago next to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. It marks a new era in downtown Santa Cruz, that really establishes a fun sense of community in a positive, unique atmosphere. One of the main features of the square is Front and Cooper which serves beer, wine, and  exceptional craft cocktails created by world-champion bartender and mixologist Kate Gerwin.

Choose from a number of unique options including a sweet and unexpectedly light clarified-milk punch made with Cinnamon Toast Crunch–infused rum, and for summer, Watermelon Frosé, described as fresh watermelon, vodka, rosé and a little bit of chill. We were lucky enough to chat with Kate Gerwin about cocktails and what Abbott Square brings to downtown Santa Cruz and why you should check it out! 

Can you tell us what Abbott Square is all about and why it would be a must see for someone visiting Santa Cruz?

Abbott Square Market is such a unique addition to Santa Cruz. The market is home to a community of small, locally owned hospitality business owners who share a space open to the community to gather and celebrate. The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History shares a roof with the market at the McPhearson Center and Abbott Square has become a hub for creative learning, entertainment and eating & drinking.

What are some exciting upcoming events happening at the Square?  

Every Friday & Saturday night there is FREE live music at Abbott Square. On Sunday’s, a family oriented PLAY event takes place at the plaza, there are often events throughout the week, sponsored by the MAH. All of our shared events can be found at www.abbottsquare.org

What is the most unique drink on the Front & Cooper menu?  How often do they change?

I suppose that would be a matter of perception. We have a clarified milk punch, a cocktail that is shaken with rosemary smoke, we have thrown cocktails, classic cocktails, Spanish style gin tonics made with our own signature house tonic, and we have a whole menu of non - alcoholic “placebo” cocktails that are made with acid phosphates. Our beer & wine bar has sherries, ports, madeiras, vermouths, and aromatized fortified wines from all over the world as well as 24 draft beers and wines. We even have a breakeven bottle where we feature one very rare spirit at break even prices. Right now it is the Nolet’s Reserve Gin, the world’s most expensive gin, at over $700 a bottle, but we are selling it at cost, until we run out.  We change the menu every few weeks, it really depends on what is working, what new fun product comes our way, or what our guest would like to see. There are no rules, just have fun.

Anything you wish to add about Abbott Square or Front & Cooper?

We are so proud of being a part of downtown Santa Cruz. We are still growing and improving every day as we stretch into our shoes here in this important historic Santa Cruz space. The community has been so supportive as we find our identity and we can’t wait to share more as we open the octagon soon and add more vendors to the family!

Can you provide a drink suggestion for someone who is on vacation in Santa Cruz, relaxing on their vacation rental deck, looking out at ocean views.  

I tell people to drink what makes them happy. A glass of rosé, a spot of mezcal, an aperol spritz, or a crisp ginger beer is best enjoyed in the company of loved ones. Or at least those you can tolerate :)

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