IN THE SPIRIT FEATURING: Rael Petit, The Williamsburg Hotel, Beverage Director

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I came to New York 16 years ago from Switzerland for a quick summer vacation and ended up never leaving. I ve been bartending ever since. At 22 I open and owned my first restaurant.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST RECENT PROJECTS?

I took the position of beverage director at the Williamsburg hotel. Our food and beverage program are a restaurant lounge on the ground floor a rooftop bar with a beautiful swimming pool and a cocktail bar inside a water tower that is opening in the upcoming month. I created a different cocktail program for each outlet.

 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE YOU HAVE COME UP WITH USING AN ACC PRODUCT? WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT? 

The watermelon mojito mix is so delicious. I always enjoy making watermelon cocktail ever since I worked at l orange Bleu 15 years ago I was already creating all sorts of watermelon cocktails. The recipe for this one is: 
2 oz tequila
1.5 oz watermelon mojito mix
Half a squeeze lime
1 slice cucumber
2 dash rose water
Served In a glass with ice garnish with a cucumber slice using a mandolin topped with a mint sprig.

WHEN YOU ARE COMING UP WITH NEW DISHES OR DRINKS, DO YOU HAVE A SOURCE(S) FOR INSPIRATION?

My inspiration can be a type of cuisine or a era of music.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT OR BAR, WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK DO YOU RECOMMEND IT, AND WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE CAN A VISITOR EXPECT?

To this day I love going to dinner in Brooklyn. The menu changes daily they don’t have a printed menu the server come to your table and tell you what they are serving today.

WHAT INFO ABOUT COCKTAILS DO MOST PEOPLE MAKING DRINKS AT HOME NOT KNOW THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO THEM?

I grew up cooking french food and both my sister and my mom told me the most important ingredient is love. I imply that principle while making my drinks.

FAVORITE ACC FLAVOR?

Brian Van Flandern's Smokin' Margarita
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