Alabama-born LeNell Smothers defines herself first and foremost as a bartender, but she's been called many things, most recently the owner of LeNell's liquor store. She's owned her own whiskey label called Red Hook Rye and been recognized by her home state as an honorary Colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.

I've been in the mood for tequila of late. Perhaps it's Cinco de Mayo still lingering in the air -- or more likely that week-long vacation in Baja -- but I've got tequila on the brain and on my lips. I love the stuff in my fizzy drinks, and especially in my Dré Fizz Affair.

Ever heard of the Dreyfus Affair? It's a bit of French history involving the wrongful conviction of an officer. The whole ordeal inspired Emile Zola to write "J'Accuse!", a letter addressed to the French President printed on the front page of the newspaper L'Aurore that caused a stir worldwide. And I've got a friend named Dré whom the ladies love almost as much as Dré loves tequila. He is a Numero Uno Tequila Fanatic.

Thus, after the jump, the Dré Fizz Affair, aka Dreyfus, aka what you'll be drinking all summer. You're welcome.
Dré Fizz Affair

2 ounces Partida Reposado tequila
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice, strained
1 barspoon of agave nectar
1 egg white
2 ounces Gerard Maeyaert Nectar de Rhubarbe carbonated juice or homemade rhubarb soda*
lime wheel garnish

Shake tequila, lime juice, agave nectar and egg white to emulsify. Add ice and shake vigorously for a minimum of 30 seconds. Strain into iced tall glass such as a Collins. Slowly add in Nectar de Rhubarbe as you slowly turn and tap the glass on the counter to create a nice frothy head. Garnish with lime wheel.

* Homemade Rhubarb Soda

4 rhubarb stalks, chopped
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Boil the rhubarb, sugar and water. Reduce the heat and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture is bit syrupy (about 10 minutes or so). Cool. Strain and press rhubarb bits to release all the juice. Strain again through very fine strainer (perhaps a metal "gold" coffee strainer). Add to soda siphon with 4 cups water and tiny pinch of salt and carbonate. (No syphon: 1 tablespoon syrup to 1 cup soda water.)