Can't find your favorite bartender this week? Many of Houston's food and drinks pros have decamped to New Orleans for the week to attend Tales of The Cocktail, a five-day celebration of booze culture and a test for even the strongest liver.
We won't find out if Anvil Bar & Refuge will win Best American Bar until Saturday morning (they made the short list this year for the first time), but one Houstonian has already chalked up a cocktail victory.
With her win, Ross will now represent the United States against the United Kingdom, Spain and Australia in Edinburgh, Scotland in September.
Leslie Ross, a mixologist, tour and party host at Saint Arnold Brewing Co., bested three other finalists from across the country to win the Caorunn Gin Storytellers USA Competition on Thursday.
The Storytellers competition encourages bartenders to inspire with a unique take on Caorunn gin, telling a story through ingredients, including the use of traditional Celtic botanicals rowan berry, coul blush apple, heather, dandelion and bog myrtle.
"Innovation, style, knowledge and a well-constructed narrative are essential," the competition page instructs. "A true Caorunn storyteller will make a fantastic drink with style and substance, while putting forth the true bartender character as an entertainer, raconteur, historian, joker and friend."
Ross' cocktail is called The Moorish Idol — check out the full recipe below. With her win, Ross will now represent the United States against the United Kingdom, Spain and Australia in Edinburgh, Scotland in September. The global winner gets £1500 and his or her cocktail promoted worldwide.
The Moorish Idol
1.5 oz Caorunn Gin
.75 oz Pimm's No. 1
2 oz fresh-pressed apple juice
1 heavy bar spoon of Scottish heather honey
Shake. Strain into Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with 2-3 oz BrewDog Dogma brewed with heather honey. Garnish with a Caorunn Gin syrup-infused apple crisp.
