2011 Best Of's

As we slip into yet another year, I would like to commemorate some of my 2011 Bar Bests...

Best Job - CinCin has allowed me to move forward in leaps and bounds over this past year. I have been able to bring my passion for the Artisan Cocktail Craft to Reno with virtually zero restrictions. I have met an extensive amount of patrons who truly appreciate the art of drinking. I have built up a great clientele and have thoroughly enjoyed myself along the way.

Best Bartender - I was named the Best Female Casino Bartender by the Reno News & Review which is a great honor, but my Best Of award goes to my partner in crime, Annalisa Rox. I was lucky enough cross paths with Annalisa at CinCin. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her as we developed the concept at CinCin together. Endless hours of cocktail creation, fighting for our cause and giggling like school girls.



Best Cocktail - I have come up with hundreds of cocktails this year, but I will give you the top top five.

5. 22 Years Later - A crowd favorite at my bar. This spirit forward cocktail is named for one my patron's Tom, who declared that in 22 years (after my children had graduated college) I would become his live in bartender.
2 oz Knob Creek
.75 oz Grand Marnier
.75 oz Luxardo
2 Dashes Angostura
Stir and serve up with a Flamed Orange Zest

4. Mark of Cain - I served this to the CEO of Nolet's Gin. This cocktail helped me to gain some recognition in the cocktail circuit. It is also the cocktail that I submitted to the Domaine De Canton Bartender of the Year Competition for 2012.
1.5 oz Gin (Nolet's or Hendrick's)
.75 oz Canton
.75 oz Ginger Syrup
.75 oz Lemon
Muddled Cucumber and Red Bell Pepper
Topped with Ginger Beer
Garnish with Cucumber & Pepper Ribbon

3. DiCaprio - Taking second in the Martin Miller's Gin "Trading Up" Competition, this cocktail put me on the map with some of the greats. Losing to Junior Ryan is definitely nothing to be ashamed of. Check out my spin on a Sex on the Beach.
1.5 oz Martin Miller's Gin
.5 oz Leopold's Cranberry
.5 oz Leopold's Peach
.75 oz Lemon
.75 oz Honey Syrup
Shake & Double Strain
Serve up with a Lemon Twist

2. Moulin Rouge - The First Place winner of the Absente Green Movement Cocktail Competition. This spin on Death in the morning is a show stopper that I am very proud of.
1 oz Absinthe
.5 oz Leopold's Peach
.75 oz Ginger Simple Syrup
.75 oz Lemon
2 Muddled Strawberries
Shake and Double Strain into a Flute
Top with Dry Champagne
Dash with Angostura Orange Bitters
Garnish with thinly sliced Strawberry

1. Brazilian Beauty - Still gracing my miniature Barrel at the Bar, I'm sure that this cocktail is my crowning jewel and greatest accomplishment of 2011
2 oz Cachaca
1 oz St. Germain
1 oz Dolin Blanc
Barrel Aged in a brandy seasoned cask for six weeks
Dash with Honey Bitters and Stir, Serve up with a Lemon Twist


Best Accomplishment - With a lot of hard work and endless hours of networking, Reno finally has its own official USBG Chapter. I am proud to say that I am the President, but even more pleased to say that there is a great base of bartenders here in Reno that are committed to learning more about their craft.

Best Event - The USBG Kick Off Party in September takes the cake, with our Cigar & Whisky Pairing running a close second. Watch for some amazing events next year.

Best Experience - My husband and I ventured to New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail this past summer. You can read about it in detail in one of my past blogs. It opened my eyes to whole world that I had only had glimpses of. I highly recommend this experience and I look forward to next year.

Best in Show - I need to give some credit for all of the successes of 2011 to the person who really makes it possible, my husband, Doug. For endless support, love, grounding, help and unwinding--- He is the best of the best and I couldn't do it without him. If you see him at the Bar, buy him a drink. He deserves it!


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