Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/41419
The Pool After Dark at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City may be capitalizing on some of the Jersey Shore's notoriety (all things Garden State are hot these days), but this is one resort pool that's for more than just sunbathing. With a dance floor, pri- vate cabanas and a pool to choose from, this is a hot account with an emphasis on simple—yet successful—mixology. In addition to its starring role in bottle service, KRÜ82 also shines in a series of cocktails, such as the Pool Side Tea, a take on a classic Long Island, and the fresh and fruity KRÜ Shark Bite: If KRÜ82 isn't being put to use in bottle service, it is also a go-to spirit for cocktails like the KRÜ Shark Bite . They see it at the table, and ask, 'What's that?' Then they want to be a part of it." Bottle service coolness factor aside, customers at The Pool After Dark like KRÜ82 for more than its packaging. The premium wheat vodka is made in Holland and is known for its remarkably clean taste and long, smooth finish. "We're getting great customer feedback from the KRÜ82 taste," says Jim Franks, Bar Manager at The Pool After Dark, which goes through about 90 bottles of the vodka per month. "The truth is, it makes great cocktails." No breaking bottles here! KRÜ82's stainless steel packaging makes it a perfect fit for cabana bottle service. Customers at The Pool After Dark might enjoy drinking KRÜ's cocktails, but the brand has become such a staff darling that The Pool After Dark's bartenders have also gone crazy for KRÜ. "The mixologists like it because they've been used to pouring from the same bottle over and over—every bottle looks the same," says Franks. "Being able to pour a cocktail with something that looks different makes them feel cooler when they make those cocktails too." The Pool After Dark bartenders have one problem with KRÜ82, however: There simply aren't enough empty KRÜ bottles to go around. "Everyone just wants to take them home," laughs Franks, who points out that KRÜ's reusable packaging makes the empty bottle a valued prize. Although KRÜ82 is clearly poolside-ready and lifeguard-approved, the brand easily taps into other consumer-friendly applications, from boating and biking, to camping and climbing (the bottle even comes with a carabineer, for hands-free transportation if you happen to be enjoying KRÜ82 atop a mountain) to tailgating and trailblazing. One thing's clear: Wherever you go, KRÜ82 will be there. POOL SIDE TEA ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ½ oz. KRÜ82 Vodka ¼ oz. gin ¼ oz. rum ¼ oz. tequila ¼ oz. triple sec Splash of sour mix Combine KRÜ82 and all other ingredients; shake and strain, float with a splash of Pepsi. Combine KRÜ 82, crème de banana and orange and pineapple juices; float with a splash of light rum. KRÜ SHARK BITE ■ ■ ■ ■ 1¼ oz. KRÜ82 Vodka ¼ oz. crème de banana ¼ oz. light rum Splash of pineapple and orange juices Pool After Dark Bar Manager Jim Franks loves that KRÜ is hands-on on the (pool) deck, and puts this capable quaff to use in his Pool Side Tea. september 201 1 / the tasting panel / 73 PHOTO: BILL HORIN PHOTO: BILL HORIN PHOTO: BILL HORIN