Demi Natoli is the Beverage Director at Graduate Hotel Nashville. She spent time in Chicago at Lost Lake, which was voted one of the top 50 bars in the world by World's 50 Best Bars. Demi prides herself on ideating, crafting, and serving cocktails inspired by her Cuban-American heritage. In this episode, we discuss the process behind a gin cocktail she’ll be adding to one of her bar menus this Spring, and the inspiration behind the recipe. We also touch upon her work with The Equity Alliance, a black-led grassroots organization in Nashville, TN that strives to get more people of color active in the political process. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Demi Natoli. (cocktail recipe below)

Petty in Pink

Makes 1 cocktail

2.0 oz gin, such as Fords Gin

.75 oz Pineapple Juice

.75 oz Lime Juice

.50 oz Strawberry-Lemongrass Simple Syrup

.25 oz Strawberry Liqueur

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a microflower.

For the Strawberry-Lemongrass Simple Syrup:

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

5 whole stalks of lemongrass, sliced horizontally and chopped

8 strawberries, hulled and quartered

Add all ingredients to a medium sauce pot and place over medium heat. Bring to a bubble and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain and store in the refrigerator.

This episode is Presented by Fords Gin.

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