Some of Atlanta’s best mixologists mixed it up in a spirited competition to create “a cocktail for change” - to commemorate the presidency of Barack Obama - using Inca Gold Pisco, a premium, crystal clear spirit from Peru.
The PiscObamasm (pronounced peace.ko.bama) contest was created by Walt Bauer, CEO of Inca Spirits, the importer of Inca Gold Pisco. Contestants were asked to use Inca Gold Pisco, a crystal clear brandy made in the tradition of the fine cognacs of France, plus one or more international spirits, liqueurs, mixes or juices.
(L-R) Primary Judge Greg Best, partner, Holeman and Finch Public House; Jonny Abens, Trois; Walt Bauer, CEO of Inca Spirits.
Judging and presentation of awards took place under the able supervision of Greg Best, master mixologist and partner at Holeman and Finch Public House, a top dining adventure in Buckhead, Atlanta.
Platinum award winner, Jonny Abens, a mixologist at Trois restaurant in Midtown, Atlanta, created the winning cocktail using Inca Gold Pisco brandy, roasted red pepper puree, pineapple, lemon juice and simple syrup. The drink was topped with a spicy, dried pineapple chip – a nod to Obama’s Hawaiian roots.
Gold award winner Dinah Peña, a mixologist at Whiskey Park at the W Midtown-Atlanta hotel, created a coffee-infused Pisco cocktail with lemon and Navan, a vanilla liqueur, topped with meringue. Pena said her culinary background led to her choices. “ Lemon goes well with coffee and so does vanilla. I went with egg whites to throw in something traditional –meringue on top.”
Silver award winner Shira Heffernan, a mixologist at Front Page News in Midtown, Atlanta, used Kenyan coffee espresso, Amaretto, Baileys, Crème de Menthe and a sprig of fresh mint. Said Heffernan, “The Kenyan coffee represents Obama’s heritage…And the hint of mint is because he is nothing less than cool.”
Two mixologists at popular Atlanta gathering spots received Honorable Mentions: Adam Fox at Beleza in Midtown; and Tarik Livingstone at Ted’s Montana Grill on Peachtree Road in Buckhead.
(L-R) Primary Judge Greg Best, partner, Holeman and Finch Public House; Tarik Livingstone, Ted’s Montana Grill; Jonny Abens, Trois; Adam Fox, Beleza; Shira Heffernan, Front Page News-Midtown; Walt Bauer, CEO Inca Spirits. Not pictured: Dinah Pena, Whiskey Park, W-Midtown.