Crushed Velvet + Cocktails with RVA’s Zest Boutique and Reservoir Distillery
About a month ago, I was invited by the kind people behind Reservoir Distillery to come take tour and taste their creations. What a treat. Founders Jay Carpenter and David Cutting incessantly, and dare I say lovingly, create cocktails and blends in their distillery in Scott’s Addition. The passion is apparent and the fun is always within reach. When it came time to get prepped for the New Year, I turned to them to for help. What to wear, though? Crushed velvet from Richmond’s Zest Boutique.
Before you move on… Enter to win $100 to Zest and $100 to Reservoir on Instagram! Winner announced New Year’s Eve. Click here.
Becca and I have fallen in love with the Carytown boutique located in Cary Court. Zest carries brands like Free People, a thorough denim collection, and LOTS of special occasion dresses. You can also snag a quick gift for yourself or your friends on the way to the party. I got a few presents here for friends this year like candles and face masks.
Becca and I discovered these flattering crushed velvet dresses. Both of us knew right away when we put them on that we would feel fabulous. What would we be without a drink in our hands, though? David and Jay whipped up two creations for us. The Manhattan has been a favorite of mine all winter and the Bloody Mary is a surprise favorite you’ll want to share with your hosts. Get the recipes below and get inspired by our Crushed Velvet and Cocktails looks.
Reservoir Manhattan
2 oz Reservoir Bourbon
2 oz Reservoir Rye
.5 oz sweet vermouth
.5 oz dry vermouth
2 dashes orange bitters
Maraschino Cherry
Bloody Mary
You never just make one Bloody. This is for sharing.
4.5 oz Cowboy Syd’s D’lish Sauce and Not Hot Sauce (Get it at Reservoir)
1.5 oz Reservoir Hunter & Scott Bourbon
Pour over ice garnish with whatever!
Another fun fact: Reservoir offers whiskey and bourbon lovers a chance to create your own. You can start from scratch to create your own mash bill, chose your barrel, and etch logos or names onto the finished bottled product.
Photos by Ashley Loth of Sound Snap Photography.
You both look stunning in crushed velvet! Great colors! And such a timeless, classy look. 🙂 Happy New Year!