Blackbird Kitchen & Bar, which opened about four months ago, and Bartender Patrick O'Neill said a song inspired his addition to the Midtown Cocktail Week offerings with a drink he calls the William Tell.

“I was taking light rail to work on a Monday – we are closed on Mondays so I like to come in and workshop some drinks and see what happens – but I was listening to the Brand New song 'You Won't Know,' and there are some references to William Tell in that song,” O’Neill said. “(I) got to work and started playing around, and all (of a) sudden I had this cocktail. I was happy with everything in it. Then I threw a slice of green apple over a rock cube and threw a cherry on top of it, and there it was in front of me. And the name sealed it.”

O'Neill said he loves that the song inspired the drink, and he thinks there's nothing better than a drink with a story behind it.

“Guests love to hear that stuff, and I love to tell it. Pun intended,” O’Neill added. “William Tell has his legend, and I am glad I can pay it my respect.” 

The William Tell:
Maker's Mark
Antica Carpano
Heerings Cherry
Luxardo
Orange juice

Blackbird Kitchen & Bar is located at 1015 Ninth St. in downtown Sacramento.

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