Rudy Ruby

At Ultreia in Denver, the cocktail menu includes a full section dedicated to the Gin & Tonic. Like many, co-owner Beth Gruitch was inspired by a trip to Spain, the new gin capital of the world. But instead of simply recreating the cocktails she had on that trip, Gruitch worked with bartender Jessica Richter to create cocktails like the Jack Rudy, a truly American take on the Spanish-style cocktail. It calls for Colorado-made Spring 44 Gin, as well as American-made Jack Rudy Classic Tonic Syrup and club soda in place of the usual tonic water. “With the syrup, you can put as much or as little into the drink and mix it with soda water,” Gruitch says. In other words, you can have it your way. At Ultreia, bartenders garnish the Rudy Ruby with grapefruit and sage, two flavors already present in the Spring 44 Gin. The resulting cocktail is like an amped up G&T—a powerhouse of flavor.