Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/35876
SPEED TASTING AbSoluT WIld TeA: Wet and Wild Lucas Bols National Sales Director Josh Katz (left) and Galliano Brand Ambassador Anthony Pullen from the Flair Bar at Vegas’s Circus Circus, share a moment over the Italian Spritz Punch, made from Italian-inspired ingredients. GAllIANo l’AuTeNTIco: Italy Meets Arizona Sometimes, when you get something right the first time around, it’s better not to fiddle with it too much. Such is the case with Galliano, an Italian-heritage elixir made from a special blend of 30 herbs and botanicals with a process of seven infusions and six distillations, first created by Aurturo Vaccari in 1896. This is a recipe done so well the first time that it has remained unchanged ever since. This golden-hued delicacy manages to stride the line between simplicity and complexity. Poolside Appeal: You might not immediately think punch plus poolside equals instant suc- cess, but as Galliano Brand Ambassador Anthony Pullen explains, a punch is the key to entertain- THE ITALIAN SPRITE PUNCH ■ ■ ■ 1 cup Galliano L’Autentico 1 cup Aperol 2 bottles of Prosecco ing success, poolside or not. “Nothing says ‘summer’ more than a punch, because if you’re having a barbecue or a party, you don’t want to be stuck making drinks the entire time,” he explains. “Plus, it’s a perfect platform to showcase Galliano L’Autentico as a spirit making a major comeback.” Our Panel’s Palate: “I am bowled over by this deliciously cool punch. A great idea for social lubrication at the pool.” —Meridith May “Well-balanced and savory—and simple to make!” —Jared Sowinski Capitalizing on one of the hottest beverage trends today, the Absolut wunderkinds have tapped into the tea category with their exotic Wild Tea. Following the Absolut tradition of excellence, Wild Tea is made in Sweden from all-natural ingredients, with oolong tea and elderflower flavoring com- ing together to add a global “something else” to any vodka cocktail. Poolside Appeal: With one of AZ’s top mixolo- gists, Citizen Public House’s Richie Moe, at the helm of this cocktail (see page 53 for more on Richie), it could be TART ‘N TEA ■ ■ ■ ■ 2 oz. Absolut Wild tea Juice of half a lemon Top with Jacob’s Creek Moscato Garnish with heavy-sliced cucumber and lemon peel. nothing but smooth sailing for this cocktail, which relied on fresh and light ingredients to shine. “I’m a cucumber freak,” joked Moe, who knows that poolside, less is more. Our Panel’s Palate: “Cucumber and tart lemon drop are cleansing and cooling.” —Mike Muncal “I like the sour tartness—it actually encourages you to keep drinking it!” —Todd Grobstein Richie Moe, Managing Partner of Scottdale’s Citizen Public House. july 201 1 / the tasting panel / 89