Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/80298
SPEED TASTING REPORT IT'S ALWAYS TEA TIME The Brand: TATRATEA Pete Gugni, a mixologist at Scofflaw in Chicago, created this cocktail with Tatratea. Black tea–based liqueur Tatratea is one of the most unique new spirits to raise our eyebrows at THE TASTING PANEL (and that says a lot). A blend of Indian Assam tea and a wide array of exotic herbs and spices, steeped and fermented in a molasses-based neutral spirit, Tatratea is part zen and part now: deep with mystical roots and brought into a modern rainbow-colored package. The brand's five distinct flavor expressions range in strength from 64 to 144 proof. For our Speed Tasting, we sampled Tatratea 32%, packed with a citrus sweetness that certainly was a cool cooler for this riff on a Southside. Our Panel says: "The black tea notes are deliciously showcased, and the mint makes it an easy-drinking cocktail. Good-looking tall drink!" —Chris Neustadt "Very creative use of ingredients: finishes fresh and easy." —Andre Cunningham "I really believe that the use of black tea in a spirit works well and opens the door to a world of flavors."—Tony Potempa september 2012 / the tasting panel / 111 The Drink: East Meets Southside ◗ 1½ oz. Tatratea Citrus 32% (64 proof) ◗ ¾ oz. lemon juice ◗ ½ oz. house-made simple syrup ◗ Spritz soda water ◗ Garnish with slapped fresh mint.