Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/10329
punch line The Venue With its exposed brick, classic American fare and stylish, crafted-oak bar, Big City Tavern in Ft. Lauderdale is decidedly more urban than one might expect coming out of the palm trees, warm sand and pristine blue waters of South Florida. This upscale eatery’s cosmopolitan and modern take extends to the cocktail program, where bartender Danielle Annunziato keeps tabs on the hottest trends in mixology and relies on fresh ingredients and innovative spirits to draw a bustling crowd off the beach and onto a barstool. The latest trend Annunziato has fallen for? Ginger cocktails, an underused flavor that demands to be played with. “I wanted to create something that will make you go, ‘Ahhhhh,’ and get into a relaxed mode,” explains this redheaded beauty. “My mind instantly went to cucumber, which complements the ginger perfectly.” The Joke me a drink.” Danielle Annunziato keeps tabs on hot mixology trends at Big City Tavern in Ft. Lauderdale. The Punch: Ginger Dreamtini ¼ cup fresh cubed cucumber simple syrup 4 oz. All Natural SKYY Infusions Ginger Splash of soda water Muddle cucumber with a few dashes of simple syrup, then add SKYY Infusions Ginger and soda water. Shake, strain into Martini glass and garnish with a fresh cucumber slice. 118 / the tasting panel / may 2010 SKYY Infusions have be- come synonymous with fantastic, all-natural true- to-fruit flavors, but the brand’s latest foray into this realm—the sophis- ticated, sweet and spicy Ginger expression—is sure to make waves with its mixable and com- plex appeal. Annunziato instantly fell for the first nationally available gin- ger-infused vodka, prais- ing it as “sweet with a hint of citrus and clove.” www.skyyinfusions.com A man is sitting at a bar near a beautiful redhead, who is wearing the tightest pants he has ever seen. He keeps looking at her with wide eyes, so she finally asks, “What’s wrong?” He responds, “Lady, I hope you don’t mind me being too presumptuous, but I was wondering, just how does a person get into a pair of pants like that?” She looks at him, smiles and says, “You might start by buying PHOTOS: TOM CLARK