DRINK CULTURE
PHOTO CREDIT : © AMBER RENEA PHOTOGRAPHY - STOCK . ADOBE . COM agave . I also find that folks who have previously been exclusively “ brown liquor ” drinkers are apt to find an aged tequila that they enjoy sipping on as much as whiskey . When it comes to mixing cocktails , I appreciate that tequila plays nicely with bold and subdued flavors alike .
WHAT IS THE FOCUS OR SPECIALTIES OF THE BEVERAGE PROGRAM AT YOUR BAR ?
The Katharine ’ s focus is on modern interpretations of classic cocktails . For instance , one of our most popular cocktails currently is an Old Fashioned that we take a few steps further by barrel aging for a minimum of six weeks and then smoking tableside . This approach allows our guests to recognize familiar drinks on our menu but try them in a more adventurous way .
Meet the Mixologist : Sarah Kornegay
Sarah Kornegay is the bar supervisor at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar inside the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem , NC .
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE BEVERAGE OR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ?
I started my career in the hospitality industry when I was 16 years old at a local bingo hall called Valley Hall Bingo , a delightfully greasy , dark , lively place where I worked every weekend with my friends . From there , I went on to work almost exclusively in the hospitality industry . I was — and still am — hooked on the fast-paced nature of the work and the personality types of the people attracted to the industry .”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRIT TO WORK WITH AT THE MOMENT ?
My favorite spirit to play with is tequila . As I become more familiar with mixology , I also appreciate how varied the spirit is — a blanco tequila from the Highlands will taste completely different from a blanco tequila made with Lowland-grown
WHAT DRINKS DO YOU SEE GUESTS ENJOYING OR ASKING FOR THESE DAYS ?
The Katharine ’ s guests have been gravitating toward spirit-free cocktails lately . To meet this demand , we have expanded our alcohol-free menu exponentially over the past few seasonal menu changes . We offer many 0.0 % ABV beers , alcohol-free wines and cocktails made with spirit alternatives , such as Lyre ’ s , Seedlip and Ceder ’ s , as well as non-alcoholic bitters , including Dram and All the Bitters .
I have found that folks appreciate that they can enjoy a spirit-free version of popular cocktails like Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritzes and also enjoy options that are just as creative as the rest of our cocktail menu .
WHAT ’ S YOUR CURRENT GO-TO COCKTAIL OR BEVERAGE ?
The cocktail that I ’ m ordering is either a Naked & Famous or a Gin & Tonic with a splash of Aperol . I love a Naked & Famous because it ’ s tart , balanced on the back of the palette , and nuanced from start to finish . I love a Gin & Tonic with a splash of Aperol because the hint of bitterness that Aperol brings offsets what is otherwise a sweet and herbaceous drink .
WOULD YOU SHARE A RECIPE FOR ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR AT YOUR BAR , OR ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE DRINKS ?
My favorite cocktail on The Katharine ’ s summertime-inspired menu is the Melody & Silence .
MELODY & SILENCE
1 oz . Brugal 1888 rum 1 oz . Fever Tree grapefruit soda syrup * ¾ oz . Campari Soda water
Combine ingredients ( except soda ) and shake . Pour into Collins glass over ice . Top with soda water . Garnish with a lemon peel expressed over the drink .
* For Fever Tree grapefruit soda syrup : Combine a 16.9-oz . bottle of Fever Tree grapefruit soda and ½ cup of sugar . Bring to a boil . Allow to simmer until slightly reduced .
The mixologists at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar in Winston-Salem , NC , created this recipe . www . cheersonline . com Winter 2024 • Cheers 7