Bartenders compete to create their best bowl-worthy libation.
By Kelly A. Magyarics
Glendon Hartley of Farmers Fishers and Bakers took home the winning cocktail in Grey Goose's recent competition. (Photo by Reynaldo Lopez)
On September 19, some of the area’s top bar talent went behind the stick at A Bar during Grey Goose’s Punch Wars. Hosted by Grey Goose Brand Master Aaron Rodonis, the event attracted cocktail fans who showed up to support the local talent, taste each tipple and cheer on their favorite. Glendon Hartley from Farmers Fishers and Bakers won the battle with his Beat the Heat, a citrus-y punch that gets an aromatic Asian kick from syrup infused with Thai chilies, Kaffir lime leaves and green tea. Duane Sylvestre of Bourbon Steak took second place, while Jack Rose Dining Saloon’s Alex Strange snagged third. Other participants included Rachel Sergi (Jack Rose), Erin Ivey (Ben’s Next Door), Charles Tappan Jr. (Park Hyatt), Brennan Adams (A Bar) and Ryan Bixby (Policy).
Best of luck to Hartley, who will compete in the Punch Wars finale next month in Miami. He shared his winning recipe with us:
Glendon Hartley's "Beat the Heat" was the winning drink at Punch Wars. (Photo by Reynaldo Lopez)
‘Beat the Heat’
Courtesy of Glendon Hartley, Farmers Fishers and Bakers, Washington, D.C.
Serves about 20
1 bottle Grey Goose Le Citron
1 ½ cup Lemon juice
1 cup Grapefruit juice
1 cup Simple syrup infused with 20 Thai chilies, 6 Kaffir lime leaves and 2 green tea bags
1 ½ cup Honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water, stirred until combined)
20 Dashes Angostura bitters
1 ½ cup Cold water
Lemon peel, for garnish
Combine all ingredients except garnish in a punch bowl with 4 cups of ice. Serve in a glass, over ice, and garnish with lemon peel.
Kelly Magyarics is a wine and spirits writer, and wine educator, in the Washington, D.C. area. She can be reached through her website, www.kellymagyarics.com, or on www.twitter.com/kmagyarics.
