The R&R

On yesterday’s podcast, Mark Metcalf spoke with Rachel Fell, a bartender and co-manager of Nessun Dorma (named after an aria from Puccini’s Turandot, meaning “None shall sleep”) in Riverwest.

In her work behind the bar, Rachel focuses less on the chemistry of cocktail and more on in-depth knowledge of the products she’s offering. Say you’re looking to try a new Imperial Pale Ale, but want something with a bit less bite, or maybe you’d like a nice glass of red wine, but your sommelier chops are less than perfect. Rachel’s your gal. She’s happy to help you find something  to suit your tastes, or to expose you to new and exciting liquors, wines and craft beers.

This week in Happy Hour, Rachel offers her recipe “The R&R” a crisp and refreshing cocktail with a citrus twist.

The R&R

1 1/4 oz. Rishi Golden Yunnan Black Tea infused Rehorst Vodka
1/2 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Dash of lemonade
Splash of club soda

Pour over ice and enjoy!

How did you come up with the name?
It’s a nod to the main ingredients used (Rehorst vodka, Rishi Black Yunnan Tea), as well as for its embodiment of the spirit of summer.

What inspired the flavors for this cocktail?
Sweet tea vodka is terribly popular right now. John Dalys (spiked Arnold Palmers) are being made with these vodkas which are, in my opinion, sweet and syrupy. I liked the idea of making something similar, without the super pre-processed, saccharin quality many of those vodkas have.

I also wanted to use local stuff. We are very lucky to have both Rishi and Rehorst here in Milwaukee, both are excellent companies that cultivate quality products.  I also thought that the touch of floral and sweetness from the St. Germain would play nicely against the robust black tea flavor infused into the vodka.

What about this drink is patently “summer” in your opinion?
I’ve always thought of iced tea and lemonade as summer flavors.  This simple little drink is just a fresh twist on that!