Southern Hospitality’s Fruity 901-onderful Wins Sidewalk Café Cocktail Mix-off

        Southern Hospitality’s 901-derful – a refreshing blend of muddled raspberries, mint and citrus juices just won the City’s Annual Sidewalk Café Drink Mix-Off.  Shaken (not stirred) by bartender Chris Russell using owner Justin Timberlake’s own blend of 901 Tequila, the glowing pink drink was the unanimous choice of the judges: Michael Cecconi (Institute of Culinary Education Mixology instructor and bar manager at SavoyBack Forty), Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg, award-winning authors of “The Flavor Bible”… and me. We saluted its layers of measured sweetness and tartness and luscious rose blush color. and

        The Sikatina, a sophisticated mix of fig-infused Metaxa brandy and vodka gave Ovelia Psistaria Bar in Astoria the runnerup prize.  I found it’s pale yellow color subtly beautiful.  The judges were especially impressed by its originality and “grownup” appeal.

        Others favorites were the Green Martini with verbena and gin from Chow Bar, Taboon’s watermelon-flavored Pink Passion and the espresso-steeped Shakerato from Da Silvano.  This was the 4th Annual Sidewalk Café Drink Mix-off presented by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs with ICE president Rick Smilow and Andrew Rigie, executive vice president of the New York State Restaurant Association.  The winners took home copies of "The Flavor Bible" and my memoir "Insatiable: Tales from a Life of Delicious Excess."

Recipe for 901-derful:

8 sprigs fresh mint

7 whole raspberries

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

1/2 ounce agave nectar

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice

2 ounces 901 tequila

       Muddle mint, raspberries (reserve one for garnish) and agave nectar in mixing glass. Add handful of ice, lime juice and tequila. Shake vigorously. Strain into martini glass and top with orange juice. Garnish with wedge of lime and drop remaining raspberry into glass.

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