Drink This: The Bourbonite

As soon as Chris Voelker learned about Urbanite Theatre, she knew it was a local business she wanted to support.

The co-owner of State Street Eating House + Cocktails says she's always loved theater, and after meeting with Urbanite founders Brendan Ragan and Summer Wallace, the three found a mutual respect and decided to collaborate on a signature drink in the new theater's honor.

"Brendan and I had lunch recently," says Voelker. "We thought, 'Why not do a drink?' And the Bourbonite was born."

The cocktail, named by Ragan, is made with bourbon, grapefruit juice, grenadine, ginger beer, hellfire bitters and a grapefruit zest garnish.

State Street bartender Christopher Nalefski, who created the drink, says he wanted to make something that was fun, festive and easily accessible.

"It's not too heavy-duty," he says. "With the citrus and the grenadine, it has a sweetness to balance out the bourbon, and it's something everyone can enjoy."

State Street will debut the new cocktail Thursday, June 25, to coincide with Urbanite's wrap party for its current production of "Reborning," by Zayd Dohrn.

Voelker says she expects the drink to remain on the bar menu and that she hopes to develop future collaborations with the local black box theater.