Spirited Virginia Q2 2022 - 11

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
JUNE
JUBILEE
This signature cocktail was
created especially for Virginia
ABC. Scan the QR code below to
watch a video on how to prepare
this quarter's cocktail.
Melissa Benefiel, Manager, Store 186, Salem
M
elissa Benefiel had worked 15 years in
the restaurant and bar industry before
she started working at Virginia ABC in 2016.
" That experience has proved invaluable, " she
says. That, combined with dedication and
hard work, helped her rise from wage clerk
to manager in two years.
What is your favorite part about working
at a Virginia ABC store?
We serve as representatives of our state, so
that motivates me to try to give our guests
the best experience possible.
How do you work to make your store a great
shopping experience for customers and a
success for Virginia ABC?
The first step is building the best team you
can and treating them with the same courtesy
and respect you expect them to show your
guests. Cleanliness is the second biggest
thing because it's part of what forms that
first impression for a customer.
How do you help customers find their perfect
products?
First, I ask if there is an occasion and if the
alcohol is going to be mixed, sipped, shot,
used for baking, etc., because that makes a
difference in the quality needed. Second, I ask
their favorite flavor, spirit or cocktail. Third, I
ask if they prefer sweet, tart, bitter or savory
flavors. The more questions you can ask, the
better you'll be able to find the right product.
Do you have a cocktail you like to
recommend?
My favorite go-to recipe for customers is the
" Fun Frosty. " Take a shot of your favorite spirit,
add it to a Frosty from Wendy's, then mix
with a spoon, and it makes an instant spiked
milkshake.
What makes a quality Virginia ABC store?
A clean, neat and welcoming environment with
friendly, engaged and knowledgeable team
members. How well we treat our guests and
team members will determine the success
of the store.
How do you promote public safety?
As a store manager, I ensure that everyone on
my team knows and follows the training for
" safe " sales. I tell them that they will have my
support 100% if they do not feel comfortable
making a sale. The most important thing is
giving respect and kindness regardless of what
you're given. We had a customer come back
and thank the associate who wouldn't sell to
them, for looking out for their best interests.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Teamwork is the glue that holds us all together!
We have been on a rough roller coaster
ride these past two years, but having such
wonderful friends, teammates and colleagues
supporting each other will keep me on it. As
long as we can count on each other, we can
get through anything!
▷ 2 OZ. INDOGGO GIN
▷ ¼ OZ. ST. ELIZABETH ALLSPICE DRAM
▷ 1 OZ. COCONUT WATER
▷ 1 OZ. LIME JUICE
▷ 3/4 OZ. HIBISCUS SYRUP*
▷ OPTIONAL: DRIED HIBISCUS LEAVES
AND GROUND CLOVES FOR GARNISH
Prepare your Old Fashioned glass by
taking a pastry brush and painting a thick
line of hibiscus syrup down the outside of
the glass, then sprinkle dried hibiscus and
clove over the syrup line to adhere. Do this
over the sink or a towel, it can get messy!
Add the gin, allspice dram, coconut water,
lime juice and hibiscus syrup to a cocktail
shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds.
Strain over ice in an Old Fashioned glass
and garnish with fresh mint.
To make your homemade *hibiscus syrup,
add 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and 8 grams
of dried hibiscus flowers (or 4 hibiscus tea
bags) to a small saucepan. Heat on low
just until sugar is dissolved, then strain the
tea syrup into a food safe container. Syrup
can be refrigerated for up to 1 month. For
an easier replacement, substitute the
syrup for dried hibiscus leaves and ground
cloves for garnish.
-Annie Tobey
Discover cocktail recipes
for any occasion
www.abc.virginia.gov
SPIRITED VIRGINIA | APRIL | MAY | JUNE 2022 11
http://www.abc.virginia.gov
Spirited Virginia Q2 2022

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