In our Drink of the Week segment, we’ll showcase one unique type of beer, wine, cocktail — you name it — to try at one of the countless breweries, bars and restaurants from around the basin.

When I hear the name “The Butterfly Effect,” I immediately think of the 2004 film of the same name. Not unlike that movie, this cocktail has some ripple effects that start with the drink ingredients — kudos to the cocktail name-maker-upper. 

The ingredients consist of The Botanist Islay dry gin, Crème de Violette liqueur, ginger liqueur, butterfly pea flower tea, lavender syrup, Meyer lemon juice, crystalized ginger, and for the crowning achievement, it is topped with a lavender smoke bubble. 

I know. We can’t just buzz right past a lavender smoke bubble and not explain. True to its description, a space aged gun that shoots witchcraft-looking smoke bubbles is used to delicately set the bubble on top of this drink. When served, the bubble is popped creating an amazing appearance of a smoking cocktail. 

But, this drink is not all show. The taste is pretty unique as well. Even with all the other ingredients, the gin is still the main player. It is first to hit your senses with its sweet and earthy notes, but after that initial meeting, it takes a step back and lets the rest of the show happen, all while still showing the layers of flavor in the background. 

The liqueurs blend nicely together and really let the botanicals shine through in the finish. The hints of lavender poke through just enough and marry up with the citrus creating a match made in cocktail heaven. 

I’ve gone all this way and have yet to mention how gorgeous this drink looks. As you can imagine, the Crème de Violette adds a purplish hue, but the drink doubles down on that purple color with the addition of the butterfly pea flower tea, while also layering in more earthy tones. 

I guess you can say that’s where the name came from, but I’ll stick to my original vision. Although, this drink could change what I think of when I see that name — a delicious change, nevertheless. 

The Loft is located at 1001 Heavenly Village Way in South Lake Tahoe. In addition to the restaurant, The Loft is also home to nightly magician shows. For more information visit them online at thelofttahoe.com or by phone at 530-523-8024.