Soliloquy serves uniquely flavored cocktails at Topeka's Circle Coffee

Through drinks and friendship, a local business is creating memories for all.

What started as just an idea quickly turned into a reality for Topekans to enjoy. Soliloquy, a local popup bar has been a hotspot for fresh-served cocktails.

Founders and owners Aaron Zentner, Daniel Breidenstein and Blake Wulfkuhle use the Circle Coffee space at 1710 S.W. Medford Ave., every weekend to serve their uniquely made cocktails.

Circle Coffee is owned by David and Jackie Vincent. The Vincents opened Circle Coffee's doors in June of last year. The Soliloquy trio began serving cocktails out of the coffee shop in October 2022.

Zentner said Soliloquy was something that was destined to happen, because he and his co-owners all have history in the dining industry.

"It started off really small," he said. "We just did like friends and family and stuff, and we'd invite people out. But we always had the intention to kind of scale it up a little bit more and make it a public thing."

Cocktails on the Soliloquy menu have their own distinctive flavors, such as a Double Chicken, Please?, which is a chicken-and-waffle washed whiskey with maple honey and hot bitters.

Wulfkuhle said his favorite drink to serve is the Vibe Check, which is made with cantaloupe, queso fresco foam, reposado tequila, agave gin and cilantro liqueur.

Further options include an Espresso Martini, Pan-American Sour, La Taqueria and more. Patrons can also choose from three different wine options on the menu, such "Bites" as chips and dip or bottomless popcorn, beer and various spirit drinks.

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Zentner said it's easy for someone to make a good cocktail at home. As the cocktail scene grows in Topeka, the owners want to make sure they keep their options fun and quirky.

"We're always throwing in ingredients that you wouldn't normally find in cocktails or finding food pairings that kind of inspire us a little bit, too," Zentner said. "We're not shy of like incorporating dairy into our drinks or things like that."

Most of the mixed drinks are priced at $12, while the price of spirits. Beers are priced at $4.

Though the trio uses the coffee shop space, the end goal is to eventually have a brick and mortar of their own.

"I think right now, just the way we have things structured, it's really beneficial for us," Zentner said. "We don't have any employees. So, it's like we can put away more money and not pay ourselves, which is great, and that helps us get to that point quicker where we can get a break."

"I think we're getting there. We're close." he added.

Wulfkuhle said he grew up in Topeka, so having a business in the capital city means a lot to him.

"I have a lot of sentimental value invested here," he said, "and I just want to see Topeka succeed. I want to see Topeka have nice things. I want to be there to give Topeka nice things and I want other people to do the same."

Zentner and Wulfkuhle are Topeka natives, while Breidenstein is a Geary County native. He has lived in Topeka for over 10 years.

Breidenstein said he and his co-owners want the community to be able to have abundant options when it comes to hanging out and catching a drink.

"We can't do what we do without people coming and supporting us," Breidenstein said. "I'm just grateful that the community has been coming out and supporting. I can't say that enough. We only exist, because of the people in Topeka."

Soliloquy is open 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, with happy hours from 6 to 8 p.m. All beers, wines, cocktails and spirits are 15% off during happy hours.

Occasionally, the trio will hit the road to serve at different events. To keep up with their latest updates, follow the Soliloquy Facebook page.

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Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.