Experience the Refreshing Ranch Tea Cocktail: A Masterpiece with Bently Heritage Source One Vodka
Embark on a delightful journey into the world of sophisticated craft cocktails with our irresistible Ranch Tea Cocktail. This extraordinary concoction offers a symphony of flavors, artfully combining the unparalleled smoothness of Bently Heritage Source One Vodka with the subtle sweetness of homemade honey syrup, the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice, and the aromatic whisper of basil leaves, all beautifully complemented by a top-off of freshly brewed black tea. More than just a drink, it’s an invigorating and utterly delicious experience, perfect for transforming any moment into a special occasion, whether it’s a tranquil afternoon or a vibrant evening gathering. Prepare your palate for a truly smooth and refreshing escape.
Bently Heritage Source One Vodka: The Foundation of an Exceptional Cocktail
Our quest to perfect the Ranch Tea Cocktail led us directly to the source of its star ingredient: the Bently Heritage Estate Distillery in Minden, Nevada. Located just a scenic 45-minute drive from the bustling city of Reno, this distillery is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and a must-visit for any spirit enthusiast. We were fortunate enough to explore their impressive facilities and sample their exquisite range of spirits, including their acclaimed Source One Vodka and Juniper Grove Gin, during an unforgettable trip to Reno last December. This coincided with our participation in the lively Reno Santa Pub Crawl – an event so spirited, it might just inspire one to don a dress adorned with kittens in Santa hats, purely for the joy of it.
Driven by enthusiastic recommendations and a genuine passion for craft spirits, our decision to visit Bently Heritage was an easy one. We eagerly anticipated learning about their farm-to-bottle approach and tasting the fruits of their labor. The experience proved to be profoundly rewarding, offering a deeper appreciation for the dedication and artistry that goes into every bottle produced.
A Picturesque Journey to Nevada’s Historic Distillery
The drive from Reno to Minden is an attraction in itself. Winding through the picturesque Nevada landscape, the route offers continuous breathtaking mountain views, setting a serene backdrop for the destination ahead. As you approach Bently Heritage, one of the first things to catch your eye is an impressive collection of classic cars, often displayed proudly at the entrance. We learned during our visit that these vehicles are regularly rotated, ensuring a fresh display and a unique greeting for every visitor – a delightful touch that reflects the distillery’s blend of tradition and dynamic presentation.
The heart of Bently Heritage – its tasting room and tour facilities – is magnificently housed within the historic 1906 Minden Flour Mill. This architectural marvel once held the distinction of being one of the largest flour mills in the entire state of Nevada, a true cornerstone of regional commerce. When the Bently family undertook the ambitious endeavor of transforming this storied building into an estate distillery, they did so with an unwavering commitment to historical preservation. They engaged extensively with the Nevada Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, meticulously adhering to stringent guidelines to ensure the mill’s rich legacy was honored at every step of the renovation.
Their dedication extended to every detail, as they worked tirelessly to salvage and integrate as many of the original materials as possible. This painstaking process allowed them to seamlessly weave the authentic history of the building into the modern infrastructure of their dream distillery. Walking through the halls of Bently Heritage, one can truly sense the profound love, meticulous care, and deep respect that was poured into restoring and repurposing this landmark. It’s an immersive experience that beautifully marries historical reverence with cutting-edge spirit production, creating an atmosphere that is both grand and intimately welcoming.
The Dazzling La Beaute Verde: An Icon of Elegance
Upon entering the tasting room at Bently Heritage, visitors are often captivated by an immediate focal point: the breathtaking La Beaute Verde. This isn’t just any chandelier; it is an extraordinary Swarovski crystal masterpiece, meticulously handcrafted in Italy. Its intricate design and radiant green hues catch and refract light, casting a mesmerizing glow across the historic space. The presence of such a luxurious and visually stunning piece of art serves as a powerful symbol of the Bently family’s unwavering dedication to quality, elegance, and the pursuit of perfection – values that are unequivocally mirrored in the premium spirits they distill.
The story behind the installation of this magnificent fixture is as intriguing as its beauty. To truly appreciate the scale and precision involved in bringing this gorgeous chandelier to its prominent position within the distillery, we recommend viewing the captivating video showcased on Bently Heritage’s official Instagram page. It offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous planning and execution that characterize every aspect of the Bently Heritage project.
Unveiling Bently Heritage Source One Vodka: Nevada’s Premium Spirit
At the very heart of our delightful Ranch Tea Cocktail, and indeed the entire Bently Heritage ethos, stands the extraordinary Source One Vodka. This is far from a typical vodka; it is a distinguished single-estate spirit, born from a profound commitment to quality and provenance. Every drop begins with 100% of the grains meticulously cultivated on Bently’s own expansive ranch, nestled in the fertile lands of Minden, Nevada. This unique farm-to-bottle philosophy guarantees unparalleled quality, traceability, and a distinctive terroir that resonates with the character of the Nevada landscape in every smooth sip. The selected grains, primarily a thoughtful blend of oats and other carefully chosen varieties, are grown using sustainable agricultural practices, underscoring the distillery’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship and supporting local agriculture.
Beyond the exceptional grains, the water employed in the creation of Source One Vodka is equally vital to its superior quality. This pristine water is sourced exclusively from the historic Well One, a natural aquifer fed by the pure, glacial meltwaters of the high Sierra Nevada mountains. This unique and protected water source, reserved solely for the distillery’s use, infuses the spirit with an unparalleled crispness and purity, setting it apart from countless other vodkas on the market. It contributes significantly to Source One’s remarkably smooth finish and clean taste.
Through extensive research and meticulous experimentation, the Bently Heritage team discovered that this precise fusion of local oats and grains, combined with the crystalline Sierra Snowmelt water, culminates in a vodka experience that is both classically refined and uniquely nuanced. Each batch of Source One Vodka is produced in small, artisanal quantities, undergoing its final purification in traditional copper pot stills. This time-honored distillation method ensures greater control over the spirit’s development, resulting in a vodka of exceptional purity, devoid of harsh notes or undesirable impurities. The culmination of this dedicated process is a 750ml bottle of Source One Single Estate Vodka, boasting a refined 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof) – an impeccable spirit designed for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as the sophisticated backbone for premium cocktails like our exquisite Ranch Tea.
Crafting Your Perfect Ranch Tea Cocktail: A Step-by-Step Guide
Having introduced you to the distinguished Bently Heritage Source One Vodka, it’s now time to recreate this delightful Ranch Tea Cocktail in your own home. This recipe is designed for simplicity, allowing the high quality of each ingredient to truly shine through. It’s an ideal addition to any collection of light and refreshing spring cocktails, yet its invigorating profile makes it a superb choice for enjoyment throughout the entire year.
Source One Vodka Ranch Tea Recipe
Discover how to craft a delicious and refreshing Bently Heritage Source One Vodka Ranch Tea Cocktail right in your own kitchen.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 191 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 5 Fresh Basil leaves
- 1.5 Ounce Bently Heritage Source One Vodka
- 1.0 Ounce Honey syrup
- 1.0 Ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
- Freshly brewed black tea (to top)
Instructions
- Gently muddle the basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or sturdy tumbler. This action helps to release their fragrant oils without crushing them excessively.
- Add the Bently Heritage Source One Vodka, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice into the shaker. Fill the shaker generously with ice cubes.
- Securely close the shaker and shake vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds. This chills the ingredients thoroughly and ensures proper dilution.
- Strain the well-chilled mixture over fresh ice into a tall serving glass.
- Carefully top the cocktail with freshly brewed black tea. For an elegant finish, garnish with an extra basil leaf or a thin slice of lemon. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- *For Homemade Honey Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of honey with ⅓ cup of water. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the honey is completely dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Do not boil. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely before using. Store any unused honey syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Cocktail Muddler
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger (for precise measurement of liquids) – We highly recommend OXO angled jiggers for their ease of use and accuracy.
- Tall Serving Glass
- Optional: For an elevated cocktail experience, consider an Ice Cube Maker that produces large, slow-melting spherical ice cubes.
Nutrition Information
Calories from Fat 9
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Explore More of Reno, Nevada: Beyond the Distillery
Our enriching adventure in Minden, exploring the Bently Heritage Estate Distillery, was just one of many highlights during an unforgettable sponsored trip to Reno, Nevada, made possible by the generous support of the Reno Visitors Bureau. Reno truly stands out as a dynamic destination offering a diverse array of experiences for every type of traveler. We wholeheartedly recommend delving into its vibrant cultural scene, exceptional culinary landscape, and lively annual events, as Reno consistently offers surprises and delights to all who visit.
- Reno Restaurants: Prepare for an unparalleled gastronomic journey! Reno is rapidly gaining recognition as a thriving foodie town, boasting an incredible spectrum of dining choices. Whether your preference leans towards comforting casual fare or an exquisite fine dining experience, the city’s diverse culinary landscape guarantees something to tantalize every palate. We often find ourselves pleasantly challenged when deciding which new establishments to sample, as each promises a unique and delectable culinary adventure.
- Hot August Nights: For enthusiasts of classic automobiles, marking your calendar for Hot August Nights is an absolute must. This iconic annual event magnificently transforms the heart of Reno into a spectacular, living museum of vintage cars, offering a captivating visual feast and a nostalgic journey through automotive history.
- National Automobile Museum: To delve deeper into the rich history of the automobile, a visit to the National Automobile Museum is highly recommended. Here, you can admire a stunning permanent collection of classic cars, alongside a rotating display of famous Hollywood vehicles, providing fascinating insights into the evolution of automotive design and its profound cultural impact.
- Reno Brewery Guide: Beyond its impressive culinary scene, Reno is also a thriving haven for craft beer connoisseurs. The city proudly hosts an array of exceptional breweries, each offering distinctive, locally-brewed creations and a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect setting to unwind and savor a finely crafted pint after a day of exploration.
- Reno Hot Air Balloon Festival: Experience an awe-inspiring spectacle by attending the Great Reno Balloon Race, one of the largest hot air balloon festivals globally. This magical event fills the early morning skies with hundreds of brilliantly colored balloons, creating a breathtaking panorama. Accompanied by numerous community events, it promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Please remember that this Ranch Tea Cocktail, along with all alcoholic beverages, is intended solely for the enjoyment of adults aged 21 years and over. We kindly urge you to drink responsibly.
Our sponsored trip to Reno was an absolutely fantastic experience, and we enthusiastically recommend it as a premier travel destination. All opinions and sentiments expressed within this article are genuinely our own, stemming from the incredible and memorable time we had in this vibrant Nevada city!