Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/205467
BRAND SPOTLIGHT Founded in 1995, Benjy's in Houston, TX, was quite ahead of the curve with the farm-totable local products kick. "It just seemed like common sense and a great idea to us. We're an American melting pot of a restaurant, so showing off local producers and seasonal dished seemed obvious. " "I really enjoyed how well St. Elder mixes, " says Landis. "Our cocktail menu changes with the seasons and I can really see this translating well throughout the year. We've held blind taste tests against the competition with our clients and St. Elder wins almost every time. " PHOTO: DIANA SIMONETTA St. Elder in Houston: Benjy's Citrus Blossom ◗ 1½ oz. Ruby Red grapefruit vodka ◗ ½ oz. St. Elder Natural Elderflower Liqueur ◗ ½ oz. thyme simple syrup ◗ Splash of soda Grapefruit sugar rim Ryan Landis, General Manager of Benjy's, mixing up a refreshing Citrus Blossom. RACHEL LEAH BLUMENTHAL St. Elder in Boston: Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar bartender Shannon Reynolds keeps the heat alive with the Broken Heart and White Lie cocktails. Voted "Best Pickup Bar in Boston" by Boston Magazine, Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar is a cocktail-driven Mexican food joint in the heart of Bean Town. "We're primarily a tequila bar with super fresh ingredients—lots of muddled fruits and vegetables, " says bartender Shannon Reynolds. "Our clients are young professionals. We're definitely high volume but we make really great, sexy cocktails. " So what does Reynolds think of St. Elder? "I love it. It's awesome for drinks and makes them really easy to balance. It's definitely one of my favorite liqueurs to mix with, and I think it's great for a wide variety of cocktails. " The Broken Heart ◗ 1½ oz. reposado tequila ◗ ¾ oz. St. Elder Natural Elderflower Liqueur ◗ ½ oz. lime juice ◗ ½ oz. simple syrup ◗ Dash hibiscus syrup ◗ Fresh grapefruit ◗ Fresh raspberries ◗ Pink peppercorn ◗ Muddle the grapefruit, raspber- ries and pink peppercorn. Add rest of ingredients. Shake and strain over ice. White Lie ◗ 1½ oz. blanco tequila ◗ ¾ oz. St. Elder St. Elder Natural Elderflower Liqueur ◗ ½ oz. lime juice ◗ ¾ oz. grapefruit juice ◗ ¼ oz. lemon juice ◗ ½ oz. basil infused simple syrup ◗ Barspoon pink guava puree ◗ Shake and strain over ice. 76 / the tasting panel / november 2013 TP1113_066-107.indd 76 10/24/13 9:24 AM