From Orchard to Glass in the Santa Rita Hills
Three Savory Summer Cocktails
It has been 10 years since Sarah and Marko Suput transplanted themselves and their family to the former llama farm in the Santa Rita Hills that has become Rock 12 Distillery. On these 10 acres, a few miles past Buellton towards Lompoc, they use well water for distillation in a traditional copper pot still, and ingredients for their flavored spirits come from their own orchards. It’s a true farm-to-glass operation, the first of its kind in the region.
While the lineup at Rock 12 Distillery is dazzling—and worthy of a visit for the opportunity to taste a wide array of brandies, bourbons, amaro and liqueurs—their core selection of clear spirits inspired this trio of summer cocktails, leaning on the savory side.
Spicy Krautini
A spicy, savory martini-style cocktail made with serrano-infused vodka, dry vermouth and sauerkraut juice.
Check out this recipe
Cool as a Cucumber Cooler
This highball combines subtle salty, sweet and citrus flavors, enhanced with cooling cucumber and botanicals from Rock 12’s estate gin to provide a refreshing drink. A perfect poolside sipper.
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Bloody Mia
A summery Bloody Mary variation with ripe tomatoes, olive juice, lemon, garlic, anchovy, Worcestershire and vodka.
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