This Boise bar and restaurant serves a $105 cocktail in a cowboy hat. Giddy-up
As Cary Prewitt knows, everything is bigger in Texas.
But Prewitt, a former Lone Star State resident, is spurring Idaho to catch up.
In 2021, Prewitt opened the massive Western Proper, 610 W. Idaho St. A 10,500-square-foot bar and restaurant, it’s highlighted by four bowling lanes. (At least they’re mini-bowling.)
Western Proper also pours a cocktail designed to make Boise eyes huge: The Hat Sharer.
‘Epic’ drink
Unless you want to fall off your horse, The Hat Sharer ain’t for a Lone Ranger.
It’s intended to be enjoyed by a group.
A 100-ounce conversation piece, it is served in a clear, plastic cowboy hat.
To grab even more attention, it’s topped with a party candle. The kind that shoots sparks a few feet skyward.
The Hat Sharer costs $105. Recommended crew? Four to six rowdies, er, people. But don’t be surprised if you draw curious onlookers.
“I saw something similar in Austin,” Prewitt explains, “and my wife and I decided to find something that was epic — that we thought would be super-fun. I thought, ‘This is really dope.’ ”
Vodka, tequila
Because it’s offered in two variations, The Hat Sharer demands group consensus.
The Desert Canary version is vodka, Aperol, absinthe, strawberry, pineapple and lemon. The Baja Sunrise is tequila, passion orange guava nectar, grapefruit juice, lime juice and agave.
Both contain “a lot” of alcohol, Prewitt says.
On a basic level, the Canary will seem a little sweeter, he says, while the Sunrise comes across a bit boozier.
“I’m a tequila guy, so it’s always the Baja Sunrise for me,” he adds.
Spring cocktails
The Hat Sharer is the mainstay of a signature cocktail menu that otherwise was updated for spring and summer. There are a dozen normal-sized, $15 options.
“I think it’s by far the best cocktail menu that we’ve ever had,” Prewitt says. “Something for everyone.”
Choices range from a smoky but mellow Oaxaca Old Fashioned and a very-lavender Lavender Martini to the frothy, egg-white-powered Cassis Gin Sour and a Spicy Aleppo Margarita — made with tequila, not too sweet and spiced on the rim.
Prewitt is proud of the “super-unique and fun” Yuzu Pink, created with Roku Gin, housemade pink peppercorn simple syrup, yuzu juice, lemongrass and orange bitters. “It should become a secret town favorite,” he says.
But if your evening involves multiple revelers? Who are engaging, perhaps, in a round of fiercely competitive mini-bowling?
That big ol’ Hat Sharer will take everyone on a ride.
It’s not just an evening sipper, either. It’s also popular during brunch at the restaurant, Prewitt says.
“It’s sometimes older people. It’s sometimes people in a bachelorette party. It’s just people looking to have a good time,” he says. “Groups of people looking to turn it up a little bit and ... put a smile on their faces.”
