Jack Rudy Cocktail Co.
Friday, April 6, 2012 at 7:05AM 
About a month ago I was in Star Provisions in Atlanta and found this beautifully designed bottle that caught my eye. The label read Small Batch Tonic and I was curious what its story was. How did it begin? What's in it? How should I use it?
Turns out this Small Batch Tonic is a tonic syrup without the carbonation. Creator Brooks Reitz began making this citrusy flavored recipe while living in Kentucky. He has since moved to Charleston, South Carolina and after perfecting its combination of water, sugar, lemongrass, orange peel, citric acid and quinine, the tonic has received quite the fan base. As Brooks shared with me, "I think it fills a need for a delicious, drinkable, refreshing tonic that captures the spirit of summer in the American South."
"Jack Rudy" is the name of Brooks' great grandfather. As Brooks shared, "Because my great grandfather invented a pill counting machine, I wanted to pay homage to that era and that history. That is why I sourced the brown bottles, which to me say 'apothecary,' despite what the label reads." For the design, Brooks adds, "I wanted to keep it very simple, very classic and in a way, undesigned. To me it looks like something I might have found in my great grandfathers cupboard from years ago."
Brooks (how adorable is he?) and his friend and photographer, Olivia James, were kind enough to create and capture these oh so lovely pictures for Sweet Peach. Olivia has an incredible eye and a wonderful blog you must peruse called Everyday Musings. It's here that she shares her thoughtful takes on travel, food and everyday inspiration.
Below find a recipe for a scrumptious Gin & Rudy and see even more Jack Rudy inspired recipes that utilize rum, tequila or gin, here. I must say, these fun cocktails would make for a most wonderful Friday Happy Hour... Enjoy!
Photos: Olivia James Content: Sweet Peach
Reader Comments (11)
This looks amazing. I'm so curious to try that tonic.
What a cool idea to invent a small batch tonic and I love that it's not carbonated. Is he going to come out with more flavors?
Brooks is adorable and I love Olivia's blog! And this drink, it looks awesome!
I love that he went with the old apothecary look and I think he pulled it off beautifully. I'd stop in a store and check this out if I saw it. Well done.
The tonic sounds great and I'm a big gin fan so would love to try this.
Yum!
I bought this tonic recently and the flavors are really citrusy and it has a tinge of bitter to it too. I highly recommend. Delicious.
Another cocktail I'm going to have to try because of you Pam! Ha! Love the post and happy Friday to you too.
Love this. Looks sooooo good!
Great idea for a cocktail mixer.
I'm really liking the label design. I look forward to what he comes up with next!