Arnold Julep starring Owl's Brew

There's a new kid in town. A little mysterious yet familiar. Quite pure but with a wild agenda. And this new wild child just landed on the west coast. 

Owl's Brew. 

Fresh, spicy, fruity, herb-y. Natural, pure...what you see is what you get. Tea, water and agave, micro-brewed specifically for cocktails. 

I recently attended the West Coast Launch of Owl's Brew. The posh Riviera 31 Lounge in the Sofitel Hotel in West Los Angeles was the perfect setting with a cozy outdoor patio, complete with pumpkins, bones, a ouija board.

And cocktails. 

Tea for cocktails. Why not just make your own? Well, this tea is unique in the fact that it's micro-brewed in small batches creating a unique blend of spices, fruits and herbs. The resulting flavor is intense yet pure, giving it the ability to hold it's own when mixed with your favorite alcohol. If I were to try to brew a tea this strong at home, I'd end up with something rather bitter.

Not so with Owl's Brew. 

I was introduced to their 3 blends;

Coco-Lada: Black tea, chai spice, pineapple and coconut. This was paired with vodka and was my personal favorite

Pink and Black: Black tea, strawberries, lemon peel and hibiscus. A very nice blend with beer.

The Classic: English breakfast tea and lemon peel. This is the blend I brought home to play with....

Arnold Julep
Makes 2 drinks

4 oz Bourbon
6 oz Owl's Brew, The Classic
2 oz lemon-lime soda
10 - 15 mint leaves plus more for garnish
1 tsp sugar

In the bottom of a large cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar.

Fill the shaker half way with ice. Add the bourbon and Owl's Brew. Shake vigorously for a minute.

Strain into 2 ice filled cocktail glasses. Top off each glass with about an ounce of lemon-lime soda. Garnish with a small prig of mint leaves.

Want another quick one?

Owl's Brew Sangria

Mix equal parts of your choice of Owl's Brew blends and your favorite wine. Add a little simple syrup (to taste) and a splash of club soda.

Voila...instant Sangria!