The Royal Bobcat Bartender Madison Frechette-Thibeault with The Rita. Photos by Daniel Sweet.

The Royal Bobcat
422 Atwells Avenue
Providence, RI

Taking a cue from a little-known fact that during Louis XIV’s French aristocracy through the country’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, a bobcat held a title in the French monarchy, the west-side Providence venue takes its name and themes accordingly. Each named Philippe Louis Robert, the last known bobcat was said to be transported to New Orleans in 1905, a famed figure who visited the local apothecaries, bars and houses of ill repute. On Atwells Avenue on Federal Hill, guests can revisit this legendary tale amid the inspired vintage chic cocktail bar offering 1920s glamour from owners Ellie Coyne and Dan Becker. Its craft beverage creations pay homage to classic cocktails and modernist twists, offering an absinthe rinse on any order to honor its Southern speakeasy roots. Local draft beers, ciders, wines and mocktails are also available, cultivating tastes for any type of imbiber. Sustenance by Chef Jenny Han and team is available to enjoy with the selected sips.

Bartender: Madison Frechette-Thibeault

Cocktail: The Rita

Ingredients:
» 1.5 oz. Xicaru Mezcal
» .5 oz. Campari
» .5 oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth
» .5 oz. Cocchi Rosa
» 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
» 2 dashes of ’Elemakule Tiki Bitters
» Garnish: grapefruit twist

The Rita at The Royal Bobcat. Photos by Daniel Sweet.

“I wanted to see how my favorite spirits worked together and added ’Elemakule bitters to incorporate the flavors we recognize as fall: cinnamon, allspice, clove. The Cocchi Rosa really rounds out the complexity of the different spirits,” said Bartender Madison Frechette-Thibeault. “I named this drink after my Italian great grandmother, Rita. It seemed fitting given the Italian spirits and the elegance of the finished product.”