Indulge in the Refreshing Source One Vodka Ranch Tea Cocktail: A Taste of Nevada’s Craft Spirit Scene
Prepare your palate for an absolutely delightful experience with the Ranch Tea Cocktail. This exquisite concoction, crafted with the exceptional Bently Heritage Source One Vodka, fresh-brewed tea, a touch of sweet honey syrup, bright lemon juice, and aromatic basil leaves, offers a remarkably refreshing and impeccably smooth sip. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an invitation to explore the refined world of craft spirits and the picturesque landscapes of Nevada.
The Unforgettable Taste of Source One Vodka Ranch Tea
Our journey to discover this magnificent cocktail began with an exciting trip to Reno, Nevada. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic surroundings, Reno proved to be the perfect gateway to the Bently Heritage Estate Distillery. Located just 45 minutes away in Minden, Nevada, the distillery is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and a deep respect for heritage.
During our unforgettable December visit, which coincided with the lively Reno Santa Pub Crawl (yes, the one where I proudly sported a dress adorned with kittens in Santa hats – because why not embrace the festive spirit!), we made a deliberate detour to Minden. The rave reviews we’d heard about Bently Heritage’s Source One Vodka and Juniper Grove Gin had piqued our curiosity. As avid enthusiasts of craft distilleries and innovative cocktails, the opportunity to witness their passion firsthand was simply irresistible.
A Scenic Journey to Nevada’s Premier Distillery
The drive from Reno to Minden is a breathtaking experience in itself. Winding roads offer panoramic views of majestic mountains, painting a serene backdrop that prepares you for the unique charm of Bently Heritage. Upon arrival, visitors are immediately greeted by an impressive display of classic cars. We learned that the distillery regularly rotates its vintage vehicle collection, ensuring a fresh and exciting welcome with every visit.
The distillery’s tasting room and tour facilities are housed within the walls of the historic 1906 Minden Flour Mill. This architectural marvel once stood as one of Nevada’s largest flour mills, a beacon of agricultural industry. When the Bently family embarked on the ambitious project of transforming this landmark into a state-of-the-art estate distillery, they did so with immense care and dedication. They collaborated closely with the Nevada Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, adhering strictly to guidelines for historic preservation. Their commitment to preserving the building’s original character is evident in every detail, with a focus on utilizing as many of the existing materials as possible. A visit here is more than just a distillery tour; it’s an immersive step back in time, allowing you to truly feel the love and meticulous effort poured into restoring this magnificent structure.
Stepping into the tasting room, your gaze is immediately drawn upwards to an awe-inspiring sight: the La Beaute Verde, a resplendent Swarovski crystal chandelier, painstakingly handmade in Italy. Its vibrant green hue and intricate design add a touch of modern luxury to the historic setting, symbolizing the blend of tradition and innovation that defines Bently Heritage.
For a fascinating glimpse into the incredible effort involved in installing this magnificent centerpiece, you can explore the distillery’s journey on Bently Heritage’s Instagram page. It’s a true testament to their pursuit of perfection.
The Essence of Purity: Bently Heritage Source One Vodka
At the heart of our Ranch Tea Cocktail lies the extraordinary Bently Heritage Source One Vodka. This is no ordinary spirit; it’s a single-estate vodka, a distinction that speaks volumes about its quality and origin. Every drop is distilled from 100% grains cultivated right on Bently’s Ranch in Minden, Nevada. This farm-to-bottle approach ensures unparalleled traceability and a consistent commitment to excellence from seed to spirit.
The purity of Source One Vodka is further elevated by its water source: the historic Well One. This well is exclusively dedicated to the distillery and is naturally fed by the pristine high Sierra Snowmelt, imparting a unique crispness and clarity to the vodka. Bently Heritage has meticulously perfected a blend of oats and grains, resulting in a vodka that offers a beautifully classic and exceptionally smooth experience. Produced in small, carefully managed batches and finished in traditional copper pot stills, Source One Vodka stands as a beacon of artisanal distillation. A standard 750ml bottle contains 40% alcohol by volume, offering a robust yet refined base for any cocktail.
It’s this dedication to quality and local sourcing that makes Source One Vodka the ideal foundation for our Ranch Tea Cocktail, harmonizing perfectly with the black tea, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice to create a truly balanced and memorable drink.
Crafting Your Own Source One Vodka Ranch Tea Cocktail
Ready to recreate this refreshing masterpiece in your own home? Here’s everything you need to know to mix up a batch of this delightful Ranch Tea Cocktail.
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)
How to Make Honey Syrup:
Creating your own honey syrup is simple and adds a fresh, natural sweetness to your cocktail. Just heat 1 cup of honey mixed with ⅓ cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Let it cool before use. This syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Essential Equipment for the Perfect Cocktail:
Having the right tools can elevate your home bartending experience. Here are our top recommendations:
- OXO Angled Jiggers: These are our absolute go-to for precise cocktail measurements. Their angled design allows you to read measurements from above, making it incredibly easy to get your ratios just right without bending down.
- Ice Cube Maker: For truly exceptional cocktails, the quality of your ice matters. This particular ice cube maker produces perfectly round, slow-melting ice balls that are ideal for chilling your drinks without over-diluting them. It conveniently fits in most freezers and can produce up to three trays of spherical ice at a time, ensuring you always have enough for your next gathering.
- Cocktail Muddler: Essential for releasing the aromatic oils from fresh basil leaves, a good muddler ensures your cocktail is infused with vibrant, herbaceous notes.
- Cocktail Shaker: A sturdy shaker is crucial for thoroughly mixing and chilling your ingredients.
- Tumbler Glass: The ideal vessel for serving your beautiful Ranch Tea Cocktail.
This recipe is also a fantastic addition to our collection of best spring cocktails, perfect for warm weather and outdoor entertaining.
Source One Vodka Ranch Tea Recipe
How to make a delicious Bently Heritage Source One Vodka Ranch Tea Cocktail
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 | Calories: 191 kcal | Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 5 Basil leaves
- 1.5 Ounce Bently Heritage Source One Vodka
- 1.0 Ounce Honey syrup
- 1.0 Ounce Lemon Juice
- Top with fresh brewed black tea
Instructions
- Muddle basil leaves in the bottom of a tumbler.
- Add Source One Vodka, honey, and lemon juice then shake well with ice.
- Pour over fresh ice and top with brewed black tea. This cocktail can also be served hot for a comforting twist.
- *Honey syrup: Heat 1 cup of honey mixed with ⅓ cup of water and mix well until dissolved.
Kitchen Tools
- Cocktail Muddler
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger
- Tumbler Glass
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Source One Vodka Ranch Tea Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 191 | Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g (2%)
Saturated Fat 1g (6%)
Sodium 2mg (0%)
Carbohydrates 25g (8%)
Sugar 24g (27%)
Protein 1g (2%)
Vitamin A 106IU (2%)
Vitamin C 11mg (13%)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Exploring the Wonders of Reno, Nevada
Our discovery of the Ranch Tea Cocktail is just one of many unforgettable experiences we’ve had in Reno. Beyond its thriving craft spirits scene, Reno offers a plethora of attractions and culinary delights that make it a fantastic destination for any traveler.
For the foodies, Reno is a true culinary paradise. From charming casual eateries to sophisticated fine dining establishments, the city’s diverse gastronomic landscape caters to every taste and preference. We often find ourselves in a delightful dilemma, trying to choose which new restaurant to visit next because every option sounds incredibly tempting!
If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out these local favorites:
- Reno Restaurants: Discover our curated list of top dining spots that you simply cannot miss during your visit.
- Hot August Nights: Experience the spectacle of this iconic classic car event, bringing vibrant energy and vintage automobiles to the heart of Reno every August.
- National Automobile Museum: Delve into automotive history at this fascinating museum, home to an impressive collection of classic cars and famous vehicles from Hollywood productions.
- Reno Brewery Guide: Beyond its vibrant food scene, Reno boasts an epic array of craft breweries. Explore our guide to finding your next favorite local brew.
- Reno Hot Air Balloon Festival: Witness the stunning sight of hundreds of colorful hot air balloons ascending into the sky at this spectacular community event, a truly magical experience.
Please remember that this Ranch Tea Cocktail is meant for adults 21 and over. Please drink responsibly.
Our memorable trip to Reno, including our visit to Bently Heritage, was a sponsored experience with the Reno Visitors Bureau. We are thrilled to share that all opinions expressed are genuinely our own, stemming from our deep appreciation for everything Reno has to offer!