Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/148134
The liqueur is inspired by an ancient tradition of Slovakia's High Tatra Mountains. Cold, weather-beaten visitors to the chalets have long been welcomed by a warm mixture of herbal tea and stiff alcohol. A modern, bottled version of that tradition, Tatratea is not infused, but rather distilled using a molasses-based spirit. The distillation ensures that the liqueur blends easily when mixing and makes wonderfully balanced cocktails. Mixing Tatratea cocktails on Bogie's patio, overlooking a lovely pond, Luna explains his approach when he started experimenting with the liqueurs: "We wanted to stay seasonal, light and refreshing." Luna goes on, "What's more relaxing than sitting out here on a warm summer night drinking a delicious, fruity tea cocktail?" So what do Luna's clients think of Tatratea? "They don't even know what to think until they try it," he says. "They are always intrigued by the packaging and then the flavors. I always have them try it on the rocks first and then in the cocktails that we have come up with. It's always well received either way." The five flavors come in colorful bottles and varying proofs: Citrus (64 proof), Peach (84 proof), Original (104 proof), Bohemian (124 proof) and Outlaw (144 proof). Rado Dvorsky, President of Avant Garde Imports, thinks Tatratea is a perfect fit with nightclubs, such as Bogie's. "It's the caffeine," he says simply. "The subtle caffeine in the tea ensures that you won't be falling asleep halfway through the night. It's not an overwhelming amount, but it does give you that kick that you might need." A universal beverage, tea has its place in most cultures around the world. Looking to be a game changer, Tatratea has taken a traditional Slovakian custom, given it a world wide appeal and made it possible to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere—from a relaxing afternoon outside to an energetic nightclub. Luna agrees: "Tatratea offers so many options—it's definitely fun to play around and experiment with it!" Joel Luna, Manager of Bogie's Lounge at the Westlake Village Inn, with the Fruit-tea Summer Punch. Hibiscus Lime Tea ◗ 2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice ◗ 2 oz. house-made hibiscus simple syrup ◗ 2 oz. Tatratea Citrus ◗ Splash of club soda ◗ 1½ oz. Tatratea Bohemian (to float) ◗ Combine lime juice, simple syrup and Tatratea. Shake with ice and fill with soda. Float with Tatratea Bohemian and garnish with mint sprig. Fruit-tea Summer Punch ◗ 2 strawberries ◗ 4 blueberries ◗ 2 lime wedges ◗ 2 lemon wedges ◗ 2 orange wedges ◗ 1½ oz. Tatratea Citrus ◗ 1½ oz. Tatratea Peach ◗ Splash of lemon and lime soda ◗ Muddle fruit. Add Tatrateas and shake. Top off with lemon-lime soda and garnish with rosemary sprigskewered blueberries. Rado Dvorsky, President of Avant Garde Imports (left), chats with Luna while enjoying Tatratea cocktails on the patio at Bogie's in Westlake Village, CA. august 2013 / the tasting panel / 1 19 TP0813_104-132.indd 119 7/24/13 9:41 PM