September 2009

This month's collection of cocktail recipes consists of a trio of new concoctions that won recent bartending competitions.

ABSOLUTLY ROCKING

Brit bartender Gianluigi Bosco created this drink to win the Flair Bartending category in the World Cocktail Championships in Berlin. The spelling of the drink is an homage to Absolut Vodka, one of the event sponsors. His flair: He wore a big felt hat and juggled apple juice and vodka bottles to the tune of “My Sharona” sung by The Knack. Go here for a video of him in action, sans hat.

3 parts Absolut vodka
⅓ part mango juice
⅓ part apple juice
2 drops vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Lime, apple and red currants for garnish

Shake all ingredients with fresh ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish.

GRAPES OF WRATH

Matthew Biancaniello of the Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles whipped up this winner in the Chartreuse Competition in LA.

¾ ounce lemon juice
½ ounce agave or simple syrup
1½ ounces Hendricks gin
½ ounce green Chartreuse
Marinated concord grapes for garnish

Muddle the grapes with the lemon juice and agave or simple syrup. Add the gin, green Chartreuse and ice; stir. Garnish with the Grand Marnier-marinated grapes.

MASALARINHA

Tad Carducci created this fragrant, Indian-inspired caipirinha recipe and was honored for it in this year's Tales of the Cocktauil competition in New Orleans.

2 ounces Leblon cachaça
3 quarters lime
1/2 ounce honey
1–2” inch peel of grapefruit
1” inch cube of fresh pineapple
1/4 tsp. garam masala powder
1/4 tsp. turmeric for color

Muddle lime, pineapple and honey. Add additional ingredients and ice. Shake and serve over ice.

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