Wet Picnic
Cocktail bar · Midtown ·
Scented cocktails paired with original fragrances for a sensory experience
![Wet Picnic by EE Berger [Courtesy photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BIvgF1hr31dq99tlw2tYonq09Y0=/0x0:1296x1944/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1296x1944):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21696062/CastaliaJuly_0038.jpg "Wet Picnic by EE Berger [Courtesy photo]")
![Wet Picnic by EE Berger [Courtesy photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SE8is7BhCo4WBKaUqqZnmNSAiiI=/0x0:1321x1981/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1321x1981):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21696064/CastaliaJuly_0041__1_.jpg "Wet Picnic by EE Berger [Courtesy photo]")
Scented cocktails paired with original fragrances for a sensory experience
"By day, the lower level of a charming Victorian mansion is home to fragrance brand Sfumato, and by night, it transforms into the sleek lounge Castalia. Here, cocktails are paired with fragrances, creating a unique multi-sensory drinking experience. The non-alcoholic menu is crafted with the same thoughtful approach as the spirit-forward one, allowing guests to enjoy either or both options. Co-owner Kevin Peterson’s book Cocktail Theory - A Sensory Approach to Transcendent Drinks is available for purchase, along with other great bar reads and gadgets. Reservations are available on Tock." - Courtney Burk
"Dive down to the basement level of an old Victorian mansion in Cass Corridor to find this small and cozy bar. By day, the space operates as fragrance brand Sfumato, and by night it converts into a sleek lounge called Castilia that pairs cocktails with perfumes for a multi-sensory drinking experience. Check out the menu and see for yourself: drinks are paired with specific scents, meant to amplify the drinking experience. The non-alcoholic menu is curated in the same manner as the spirit-forward one, so guests can enjoy one or both options. When making a reservation, guests are able to reserve charcuterie for their party, which is also paired with a scent experience. The rotating menu includes drinks like the Electric Resusitator, featuring a botanical spirit, cranberry, sugar, hibiscus, grapefruit, and cinnamon and allspice. By itself, the drink offers a bit of winter spice. When paired with the shop’s Epiphany scent, complete with soft citrus and mossy notes, visitors may feel like they’ve been transported to an enchanted forest... See for yourself. Make reservations on Tock." - Serena Maria Daniels
"On the first floor of a Victorian mansion, Castalia serves cocktails inspired by the natural fragrances of its sister perfume shop, Sfumato. Focusing on the harmony between flavor and fragrance, each drink is paired with a scent. The mocktails make up about half of the long menu. The booze-free Crystal Method, for example, is made with Frankincense, rose, clove, pink pepper, blueberry, and calamansi and pairs well with the Siren Song scent." - Serena Maria Daniels
"One of the cleverest concepts to appear in Detroit in recent years, Castalia is housed in the basement of a Victorian mansion on Alexandrine (the same building that houses Stadt Garten). By day, the space is a perfumery; at night, the shelves and display cases transform into Castalia, a sensory delight that pairs taste, texture and scent for an immersive experience." - Serena Maria Daniels
"A below-street-level, intimate Midtown bar inspired by a mythic fountain that seats roughly 16–20 guests and pairs thoughtfully composed cocktails and mocktails with complementary scents from an on-site perfumery, creating an immersive multi-sensory tasting experience." - Serena Maria Daniels
