Pouring Now at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte: The Punch Room, Presenting a Tantalizing New Beverage Experience

CHARLOTTE, NC--(Marketwired - Feb 18, 2015) - A seductive new beverage experience has been unveiled by The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, marked by this weekend's official opening of The Punch Room. Presenting highly sophisticated punches and cocktails, the intimate after-hours sanctum offers an innovative approach to drinking in a sultry, dramatic, alluring setting.

Reminiscent of the legendary, sometimes notorious drinking dens of yesteryear, and accommodating a maximum of 37 guests at a time, The Punch Room is led by chief lead mixologist Bob Peters -- a multi-award-winning cocktail artisan widely celebrated for his beverage innovations and mixology secrets shared globally on Instagram and other social media. Peters, who teams with the venue's official Punchologist, is the winner of multiple "Best Of" reader and critics' choice awards from Creative Loafing Charlotte, including Best Bartender, Best Mixologist, Best Cocktail and Best Cocktail List. QC Exclusive has also recognized Peters as one of Charlotte's top mixologists, featuring one of his creations on the cover of its 2014 Handcrafted Issue. Peters is especially acclaimed for his inspired use of fresh and rare local fruits, herbs and vegetables to enhance and stylize craft cocktails and other mixed drinks.

Menu temptations at the newly-opened Punch Room include hot and cold spirits-based punches highlighted by the signature Perfect Pear Punch, fashioned with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, fresh pear juice, allspice and ginger ale; and the room's Fiesta Punch, crafted with Sauza Blue tequila, cilantro, jalapeño and beet ginger kombucha. Also featured are from-the-shaker cocktails, infused drinks and several libations perfected in an on-site cocktail carbonator. The Punch Room's complex yet seamless cocktails include the signature South of the Italian Border, created with Cazadores Anejo tequila, Cynar liqueur and Bonal Gentiane Quina; and the Miracle Monk, showcasing Milago Reposado tequila, Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse and Bonal.

In addition to artisanal and hand-crafted drinks, The Uptown Charlotte cocktail bar also offers a selection of premium and cult wines, along with small plates highlighted by North Carolina Siberian Caviar, Kusshi oysters, smoked pecan hummus, crispy sliders, and seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras.

"With The Punch Room now pouring, we look forward to truly redefining the Charlotte beverage experience," said David Rothwell, General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. "The Punch Room's transformative take on punches and cocktails is unique not only to the city, but also to much of today's luxury hotel scene."

Dark and glamorous, The Punch Room features a moody setting with steel, metallic, gold and black design accents, complemented by luxurious residential appointments including stylish chandeliers and plush sofas and armchairs. A distinctive punch bar and unique tableside service add to the room's innovative experience, as does a curated music vibe of blues, soul and doo wop which further set the tone for sophisticated evenings. An upscale dress code is enforced (athletic attire, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, flip flops and baseball caps are not permitted).

Located on the 15^th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, The Punch Room is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The new night spot will not operate for a brief period between February 23 and 28, 2015 but otherwise is a permanent after-hours destination for hotel guests and the public alike. While reservations are not accepted for The Punch Room, early arrivals may queue for Friday and Saturday admittance in the Uptown hotel's Lobby Lounge, beginning at 5:30 p.m. -- with a select portion of each evening's seating reserved for registered guests of the hotel.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 88 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, and for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR).