Opened two years ago in the Fishtown neighborhood, R&D Cocktail Bar radiates a dark intimate aura via their black velvet curtains and dimmed lighting. At the moment, it’s impossible to appreciate the spot’s sultry atmosphere, but we spoke with R&D bartender Resa Mueller to bring their refined vibe right into your home. Replete with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s top-shelf tequila brand, Teremana, this pomegranate speciality cocktail surely packs a punch—one that might require a friendly holiday warning.
Teremana Spiced Pomegranate Punch (serves 6 to 8)
12 oz Teremana Blanco Tequila
8 oz Pomegranate Juice
6 oz Cinnamon Syrup
4 oz Lime Juice
6 oz Water*
12 Dashes Orange Bitters
1. Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl and stir. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, orange wheels and cinnamon sticks. To serve, ladle into a rocks glass or punch cup filled with ice.
2. To make an easy cinnamon syrup: In a small saucepan, boil one cup water with 2 tsp ground cinnamon. Reduce heat, then add one cup sugar, and stir until it dissolves.
* Note: Water is added to emulate the dilution that occurs when stirring or shaking a single cocktail, which is required when making a well-balanced cocktail.