Top wine country mixologists and leaders of the spirits and bartending communities gathered on June 24th for the 4th Annual Wine Country Cocktail Competition held at the Andaz Napa.
Prizes were awarded to contestants and cocktails for presentation, flavor and creativity and were judged by Bay area journalists Virginia Miller (The Perfect Spot) and Lou Bustamante (SF Weekly), as well as mixologist Scott Beattie and Chef Ken Frank of Toque restaurant at the Westin, Napa. The first place prize of $150 was awarded to Daniel Ojinaga of Society Culture House in Santa Rosa, for his Zest Tea Fizz cocktail which included Charbay Green Tea Vodka and The Perfect Puree Coconut puree. A second place prize of $125 was awarded to Gabby Saul of St. Helena’s Goose & Gander, winning with her Caribbean Express that combined The Perfect Puree’s Passion Colada blend and Passion Fruit Concentrate. The Rickshaw from Brandon Manning of Santa Rosa’s Jack & Tony’s came in third place winning a prize of $100, and featured Charbay Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka and The Perfect Puree’s Lychee puree and Thai Basil & Black Pepper blend.Newly added to the competition this year, much to the delight of the crowd, was a People’s Choice award, which was won by Hunter DeoOcampo of venue host the Andaz. His Salvia Sling cocktail featured Charbay Red Raspberry Vodka and The Perfect Puree’s Mango puree.
Published by Stephanie To
07/02/13
