Ava Kitchen & Whiskey Bar, the newest concept by the Schiller del Grande Restaurant Group, has followed up its February opening in West Ave with a new drink crafted especially for Houston Rodeo season — the rye julep.

Made with 1.5 ounces of Wild Turkey 101, a splash of citrus soda, simple syrup, a squeeze of lime and fresh muddled mint, this mint julep-lover found it to be a perfect Western update to the classic Southern drink. The Bottoms Up! crew stopped by Ava for a midday cocktail with general manager Rawad Semaan and bar manager Bradley Ralph, who gave us tips to try our new favorite Rodeo drink at home.

Next up for Ava is the opening of Alto Pizzeria upstairs.

Watch below as Brad Ralph shows the Bottoms Up! gang how to put the whiskey in Ava Kitchen & Whiskey Bar: