Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/661678
april 2016 / the tasting panel / 7 Ripe for Picking With summer around the corner, Baby Blues BBQ Bar Manager Chad Sullivan and his team will be experimenting with cocktails inspired by the bounty of fruits of the season. With Deep Eddy Peach Vodka as the base, these fresh and flavorful treats beg for BBQ or a poolside afternoon of (responsible) day-drinking! "Deep Eddy is a good-quality vodka that we're lucky enough to put in our wells," says General Manager Liz Gulash. "Texas is the BBQ state and the home of Deep Eddy. Plus, the pin up–style bottle label speaks to our décor here!" The restaurant's unpretentious, approachable and fun vibe is embodied in the house-made sauces that are prominently displayed in unadorned squeeze bottles at every table: vinegar-based BBQ, molasses-based Sweet and fiesty XXX, a risqué marriage of habanero, serrano and poblano peppers offset by the sweetness of pineapple, raspberry and mango. The sauces are intended for slathering onto Baby Blues' house-smoked pulled pork or baby back ribs—but Sullivan doesn't stop there. He uses 80-proof straight Deep Eddy Vodka to craft their Bloody Mary—spiked with a kick of XXX sauce and house-made "pig candy"—when the tasty candied bacon even makes it out of the back of house. "I've seen more customers eating our sliced brisket lately," Sullivan says. "Brisket goes well with bourbon, but as the weather gets nice, I want to pull out something more refreshing—these are great 'transition' drinks into the lighter spirit: vodka." Tasting Note Deep Eddy Peach Vodka (SRP $19.99/750mL) Summer is only a couple of months away, but the fragrance of peach blossoms is in the air with this 70-proof spirit. Along with the floral tones, there's a fresh peach-y fruit scent. Real peach juice is mixed with Deep Eddy's ten-times-distilled vodka, and it's gluten free. The taste of peach and honey lingers as does the echo of ripe apricot. PHOTO: DUSTIN DOWNING Baby Blues BBQ Bar Manager Chad Sullivan and General Manager Liz Gulash pause for a toast with Deep Eddy Peach Vodka. Doctor's Orders by Chad Sullivan, Baby Blues BBQ ◗ 1½ oz. Deep Eddy Peach Vodka ◗ ½ oz. Larceny Bourbon ◗ Splash of cranberry juice ◗ Splash of sweet and sour mix ◗ Squeeze of lime Top with club soda. Garnish with lime wedge.