The Punch Room Introduces Added Punch and Cocktail Temptations From Mixology Wizard Bob Peters

CHARLOTTE, NC--(Marketwired - May 1, 2015) - Several new specialty cocktail creations have just been unveiled by The Punch Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, providing an irresistible tribute to the spirits, fruits, vegetables and flavorings of the Carolinas. The late-spring temptations showcase the creative artistry of celebrated mixologist Bob Peters, as well as added new small- and shared-plate dining tastes from the chefs of the recently-opened Charlotte night spot.

The Charlotte cocktail bar's menu additions take particular inspiration from southeastern spirits providers, and mixologist Peters shares his personal comments and ingredients for a few of these new and existing craft libations.

Top of the Hill Punch: Topo Gin, Champagne, Earl Grey Tea, Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Blackberries, Rosemary
"Topo Gin is from Top of the Hill Distillery located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Topo (for short) is the only USDA Certified Organic distillery in North Carolina and one of two in the entire South. Equally important to its certification, this distiller source all of its ingredients locally. It is also a Green Plus Certified business."

Fiesta Punch: Tequila, Cilantro, Jalapeño, Beet Ginger Kombucha, Orange, Lime
"The Kombucha that we use is brewed locally here in Charlotte by a USDA-Certified Organic micro-brewery, Lenny Boy Brewing Co. It is the only USDA-Certified Organic Micro-Brewery in North Carolina. They are doing great things."

Pisco Sour: Muddled Lemon, Muddled Lime, topped with House-Made St. Germain Foam
"This is a rearrangement of the classic. Instead of adding egg white to the cocktail and then shaking to get the traditional foam, I made a St. Germain foam with lemon juice and egg whites to top the cocktail. With the elderflower foam floating on top, this literally and figuratively is building flavors. It's like a cocktail that sits on a cocktail that makes the cocktail taste better."

Boiler Mule: Tito's Vodka, Muddled Lime, Lenny Boy Brewery's Private Label Organic Fortified Ginger Beer
"This is made with Tito's vodka (the only vodka that we carry), fresh muddled lime, and a beer that I had brewed just for this recipe that is exclusive to the Punch Room. It is brewed by Lenny Boy Brewing Co. and is an alcoholic ginger beer. Think about cider beer, but instead of apples, it is made with ginger. The final product is USDA Organic and really beautiful -- very peppery from the ginger and only slightly sweet. It's not at all like a traditional ginger, which I find to be overly sweet and sharp to the palate. The cocktail ends up being a cross between a Moscow Mule and a Boiler Maker (a shot dropped in a beer) -- thus the name Boiler Mule."

Strange Brew: Old Scout Bourbon, Hazelnut Milk, Coffee King Ice Cube
"Old Scout Bourbon is made by Smooth Ambler distillery located in West Virginia. This brew also has a homemade hazelnut milk with a double-brewed Coffee King cube in it. As the coffee cube melts, it adds more and more coffee flavor to the cocktail."

Miso Daiquiri: Queen Charlotte's Reserve Rum, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Muddled Lime, Grilled Grapefruit Juice, Homemade Mint Miso Syrup
"This is spectacular!! It has major complexities that are made up of many subtleties. The umami notes from the miso leave a remarkably pleasant smooth finish on your tongue." 

Other May beverage highlights of The Punch Room beverage list will include a modernized Carbonated Aviation, Sloe Buffalo and Fools' Punch, while new small bites will feature Black-Eyed Pea Falafel, Crispy Fried Quail and hand-crafted accompaniments for existing menu selections of Smoked Pecan Hummus, Kusshi Oysters, Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras and Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio.

Located on the 15th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, The Punch Room is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. While reservations are not accepted for The Punch Room, early arrivals may queue for Friday and Saturday admittance in the Uptown Charlotte hotel's Lobby Lounge, beginning at 5:30 p.m. -- with a select portion of each evening's seating reserved for registered guests of the hotel.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 88 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognises outstanding customer service. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, and for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR).