Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/674905
A Trip Back in Time at Tanner Smith's, NYC A Prohibition-era themed speakeasy in Manhattan, Tanner Smith's—named after an infamous early 20th-century gang leader who operated the Winona Club in NYC—focuses on bringing great cocktails to their guests in a welcoming environment. While perusing the menu, one will find creative and delicious twists on classic concoctions and dishes. Additionally, the establishment makes many of its mixtures and syrups in house and features ABSOLUT in one of its specialty cocktails. "ABSOLUT is a very versatile vodka and lends itself well to multiple drink formats, from Martinis to cocktails, or simply straight-up or over a large ice sphere," notes Bernard McNamee, Mixologist at Tanner Smith's. "Due to this versatility, we rely heavily on it as our go-to vodka here, espe- cially as people move away from flavor requests and towards craft cocktails—ABSOLUT provides the perfect base for these drinks." Capitalizing on the comeback of punches and large-format group drinks, ABSOLUT will also be added to the bar's spring and summer menu in the form of an ABSOLUT punch. A trip to Tanner Smith's might bring you back in time, but it will have your taste buds looking forward to your next sip of a cocktail like the ABSOLUT Drop Kick Mule. —Emily Coleman Citron, Mandrin and Peach: all are used variously in the recipes with room for a twist. Denton says the ABSOLUT Mule is the foundational cocktail (it alone has 12 recipes created for the season). "You're taking a simple proposition and through flavors and ingredients, you can custom- ize it and make it your own," he said. The program is part of what Denton says is "an overall move toward accessible spirits, wine, beers, lower alcohol." The summer Shandy is geared towards grilling out and other day events, and is becoming more popular. If you're at a cookout, this is the great American way to make a cocktail and make it your own without overly complicating things," he said. Adding the Citron and Mandrin vodkas are ways of elevating it. Trade will be supported by merchan- dising (POS and enhancers) and part- nerships for off-premise (and consumer offers, such as sweepstakes where permissible), and on-premise, the most visible programs will include buckets and coasters for the beer cocktails, and copper-themed items for the ABSOLUT Mule. ABSOLUT will create a social media program with recipes and other content for engagement. A revamping of the brand's "ABSOLUT Nights" campaign and a new focus on retro cocktails, set to launch this summer, will put "a lot of fun back into drinking." ABSOLUT DROP KICK MULE 1½ oz. ABSOLUT Vodka 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice ¼ oz. house-made balsamic reduction ¾ oz. American Fruits Sour Cherry Liqueur 4 oz. Q Ginger Beer Garnish with three raspberries and fresh mint. Serve in a copper Mule cup. the tasting panel