NYC Bartender Bre Lotz Creates Festive La Marca Prosecco Cocktails

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Discover the art of cocktail creation with Bre Lotz, a New York bartender crafting accessible, flavorful drinks like the Festivus Spritz using quality ingredients.

The Art of Cocktail Creation: A Journey with Bre Lotz

Creating cocktails is an art form that requires creativity and skill. New York bartender Bre Lotz embodies this philosophy. With nearly 20 years of experience, she began crafting her own cocktails in 2019. Lotz believes that a cocktail should resonate with customers while showcasing quality ingredients.

Her passion for mixology stems from her artistic background. She states, “I realized, wow, I actually have a knack for flavor pairings.” This realization has driven her to explore the world of flavors and combinations. Lotz enjoys the process of trial and error, leading to delightful creations that customers love.

In her underground-style bar, she focuses on making cocktails that are both complex and approachable. “I love very complex cocktails, but also I love being able to make cocktails that anyone can recreate,” she explains. This balance is essential for her, as she wants everyone to enjoy her creations.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Selecting the right ingredients is crucial in cocktail creation. Lotz emphasizes the significance of using quality components that enhance the drink. One of her favorite ingredients is La Marca Prosecco. She describes it as “a great, affordable, accessible brand.” Its availability makes it easy for anyone to enjoy her cocktails at home.

Lotz believes that Prosecco-based cocktails can be enjoyed year-round, not just in warmer months. She created the Festivus Spritz to capture the festive spirit of the holidays. “When you think of a holiday, you think of warm flavors and warm spices,” she notes. This drink combines the refreshing qualities of Prosecco with the warmth of seasonal flavors.

The Festivus Spritz features a gin from Mexico City, which adds herbaceous notes. Lotz chose La Marca for its peach, citrus, and honey notes. “It’s just so crisp and lively and bright,” she says. This combination creates a delightful contrast between warm and bright flavors, making it perfect for holiday celebrations.

Crafting the Perfect Cocktail: Bre’s Festivus Spritz

Bre Lotz’s approach to cocktail creation is both thoughtful and intentional. She begins with a singular ingredient, using it as a base to build around. For the Festivus Spritz, she started with La Marca Prosecco. “I want that one ingredient to shine,” she explains.

Lotz believes in simplicity when crafting cocktails. “Adding more ingredients doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to make it a better cocktail,” she states. Each component should serve a purpose and enhance the overall experience. This philosophy is evident in her Festivus Spritz, which is easy to make and enjoyable for everyone.

The Festivus Spritz is perfect for gatherings with friends and family. “It’s meant to be enjoyed with people,” she says. The drink’s effervescence, combined with its warming sensation, makes it a delightful choice for holiday celebrations.

Bre’s Festivus Spritz Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ ounces Condesa Clasica Gin
• ½ ounce Faccio Brutto Aperitivo
• 2 ounces cranberry soda*
• 3 ounces La Marca Prosecco
• Garnish with a sprig of sage and 6 cranberries

Directions:

1. Build over ice in a glass.
2. Add the gin, aperitivo, and cranberry soda to a glass.
3. Top with chilled La Marca Prosecco.
4. Stir gently to incorporate all ingredients.
5. Add garnish.

Cranberry Soda Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pure cranberry juice
• 1 cup sugar
• <a href="/new-english-sparkling-wine-sugrue-south-downs-wanderlust/" title="New English Sparkling Wine: Sugrue South Downs & Wanderlust">sparkling water

Directions:

1. Blend the cranberry juice and sugar in a blender to create a syrup.
2. Add 3 ounces of cranberry syrup to 8 ounces of sparkling water.
3. Stir to combine.

This article is sponsored by La Marca Prosecco.

The Joy of Mixology: Connecting Through Cocktails

Mixology is more than just making drinks; it’s about creating connections. Bre Lotz understands this deeply. Her cocktails are designed to bring people together, fostering a sense of community. “It’s meant to be enjoyed with people,” she emphasizes.

Lotz’s passion for mixology shines through in her creations. She believes that cocktails should evoke emotions and memories. Each sip should transport drinkers to a place of joy and celebration. This philosophy drives her to craft cocktails that resonate with her customers.

Moreover, Lotz’s approach to mixology is inclusive. She wants everyone to feel empowered to create and enjoy cocktails. By using accessible ingredients like La Marca Prosecco, she opens the door for home bartenders. “I don’t want it to just be that only select people can copy this and enjoy it,” she states.

The Festivus Spritz: A Celebration of Flavor

The Festivus Spritz is a perfect example of Lotz’s philosophy. It combines refreshing and warming flavors, making it ideal for holiday gatherings. The drink’s effervescence adds a celebratory touch, while the warm notes create a cozy atmosphere.

Lotz’s choice of ingredients reflects her commitment to quality. The Condesa Clasica Gin and Faccio Brutto Aperitivo complement the La Marca Prosecco beautifully. Together, they create a harmonious balance of flavors. “It really adds those effervescent bright and citrusy notes,” she explains.

This cocktail is not only delicious but also easy to make. Lotz’s recipe allows anyone to recreate the Festivus Spritz at home. “The average consumer can also make and enjoy this cocktail,” she says. This accessibility is key to her mission of connecting people through cocktails.

The Future of Mixology: Bre Lotz’s Vision

As Bre Lotz continues her journey in mixology, she envisions a future filled with creativity and innovation. She aims to push the boundaries of cocktail creation while staying true to her roots. “I totally believe in putting things in a cocktail that all makes sense,” she asserts.

Lotz is excited about exploring new flavor combinations and techniques. She believes that the world of mixology is ever-evolving, and she wants to be at the forefront. “I want to use things that highlight the ingredient and work well together,” she explains.

Her passion for mixology is infectious. Lotz hopes to inspire others to embrace their creativity in the kitchen. “It’s just so rewarding to have an idea and put it through,” she says. This sense of fulfillment drives her to continue experimenting and sharing her creations with the world.

Conclusion: The Magic of Cocktails

In conclusion, the world of cocktails is a magical place where creativity and connection thrive. Bre Lotz exemplifies this magic through her thoughtful approach to mixology. Her commitment to quality ingredients and accessible recipes makes her cocktails enjoyable for everyone.

The Festivus Spritz is a testament to her philosophy. It captures the essence of holiday celebrations while remaining easy to recreate. Lotz’s passion for flavor pairings and her artistic background shine through in every sip.

As we raise our glasses to toast the joy of mixology, let us remember the importance of connection. Cocktails are not just drinks; they are experiences that bring people together. With each sip, we celebrate the creativity and artistry that goes into every cocktail. Cheers to the magic of cocktails!

Photo by Timothé Durand on Unsplash

Source: VinePair – Shaking Up the Holidays: How NYC Bartender Bre Lotz Turns La Marca Prosecco Into Festive Magic