Recipe: A Signature Drink From Four Seasons Los Angeles

Last night at dinner, I received a recommendation on Twitter from @CarrieVitt to try the Tivoli Zen at Culina, Modern Italian at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. She described it as “luxury and relaxation in a glass,” and I have to say, that description is spot on. The Tivoli Zen is now my favourite drink in the world. (Well, at this point in the trip, anyway!) The flavour is innovative, zesty and fresh—just like its hometown of LA.

I had the chance to sit down with the creator of this beverage, Anthony Greco, to discover more about this tasty cocktail.

So why is it called the Tivoli Zen?
We wanted something representative of Italy to go with the theme of Culina, so [the drink is] red and white topped with green mint garnish, the colours of the Italian flag. It’s named after the Tivoli Gardens in Rome, Italy, as the flavours are floral and effervescent.

What’s in it?
It’s made with Purity vodka, blueberry tea, lemon juice and agave syrup infused with lavender.

It’s a delicious combination. How did you come up with it?
I chose blueberries since they’re pretty much in season year round in Southern California. We steep fresh and dried blueberries to make the tea. I worked with a pastry chef for three years, and one of the desserts we made was a blueberry lavender tart. When I was trying to think of something that paired well with blueberry, [lavender] just came to me.

I’m impressed. You must be a master mixologist.
No, no . . . I’m just a passionate bartender who loves great food.

Mix up your own Tivoli Zen:

2 ounces Purity vodka
1 1/2 ounces blueberry tea
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce agave syrup infused with lavender
1/2 ounce St. Germain Elderflower liqueur

Top with soda and garnish with mint.