A classic New Orleans cocktail that infuses the traditional process of ratafia, the Belle Epoque. Popular fruits found locally include mayhaw berries, muscandine grapes, anna apples, persimmons, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and citrus. In a stone crock, fruit is covered with brandy. The crock is the covered with cheese cloth and stored in a cool, dark place. At R’evolution, they let it sit for no less than six months, upon which simple syrup is added to the desired sweetness level and the fruit is strained out. Or, you can add no sugar at all and use it as a mixer in other cocktails, or as a strong beverage to sip on.
Currently, the restaurant is featuring Persimmon Ratafia in the Belle Epoch cocktail (Bourbon, Ratafia, Champagne, Lemon) as well as offering the Ratafia as an aperitif or digestif. Summer is also prime season to start the process, so that in six months it is ready just in time for special holiday feasts.
Belle Epoque
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon
- 1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1 oz. Seasonal Ratafia
- 1 oz. Simple Syrup
- 2 oz. Sparkling Wine
- Lemon Peal
Method:
- Combine Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Ratafia, and Simple in dry shaker, add ice, shake and pour in chilled champagne flute, top with Sparkling Wine and garnish with lemon peal.
About Restaurant R’evolution
Restaurant R’evolution opened to the public in June 2012. The elegant 6,000 square-foot fine dining restaurant, which seats 160, is the first joint venture for chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto’s restaurant development company, Home on the Range. Located in the heart of the French Quarter at 777 Bienville Street in the landmark Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans, Restaurant R’evolution’s cuisine is a modern and imaginative reinterpretation of classic Cajun and Creole styles. The restaurant is a celebration of the cultural fusion of the food and flavor that has shaped the culinary landscape of New Orleans. For your convenience, valet parking is available at the restaurant’s Bienville Street entrance or inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel’s parking garage. Attire is casual but proper. For reservations, call 504.553.2277. For more information, please visit us at www.revolutionnola.com or follow the restaurant on Facebook, Twitter or Restaurant R’evolution’s Blog for a behind-the-scenes peek inside one of New Orleans’ most exciting restaurants.
