Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/359372
august 2014 / the tasting panel / 73 The Black Dragon and The Pink Dragon by Soharu Staples, The Dragon Room at Pink Adobe ◗ 2 oz. premium 100% agave silver tequila ◗ 1 oz. Cointreau ◗ Juice of two whole limes ◗ ½ to ¾ oz. simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water) ◗ Shake vigorously and then strain into a salted glass of your choosing. To make the Black Dragon, sink ¾ oz. of Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur into glass. To make the Pink Dragon, sink ¾ oz. of prickly pear purée into glass. Gold Dust Woman "Couptail" by James Reis, the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi ◗ ½ oz. G'Vine Nouaison ◗ ¼ oz. June Liqueur ◗ ¼ oz. Solerno ◗ Garnish with a rim of Limoncello dust, which involves reducing the liqueur until it forms into a crystal/candy. Agave Way by Chris Milligan, Secreto ◗ 5 black grapes ◗ ½ oz. agave syrup (2:1 organic light agave nectar to water) ◗ ½ oz. fresh lime juice ◗ 1 quarter-inch New Mexico or Anaheim green chili ring ◗ 1½ oz. reposado tequila ◗ Place grapes, chili, lime and agave in a mixing glass and muddle. Add tequila and ice then shake for 10–12 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with one more grape and green chili ring. Turquoise Margarita La Fonda on the Plaza ◗ ½ oz. blue curaçao ◗ 1½ oz. Hornitos Tequila ◗ Shake and serve with a salted rim. ManzaRita La Posada Resort & Spa ◗ 1½ oz. Camarena Blanco Tequila ◗ ¾ oz. Van Gogh Apple Liqueur ◗ 3 oz. Apple Margarita mix "Since we are such a service industry-driven city, we all strive to keep ourselves at the top of our game," observes Staples. "It also helps that we have visitors from all over the country and world who inspire us daily." Mark Montoya, La Posada de Santa Fe Resort's Beverage Director, acknowl- edges while some cocktail trends hit their area after major cities, they are adamant about using customer feed- back to shape their beverage programs. Milligan sees the trajectory of Santa Fe's expanding cocktail scene steadily moving forward, thanks to a mix of an emphasis on local ingredients and creative marketing. Examples of this movement include Secreto's build-your-own cocktail menu and summertime promotion "Fashion Your Old Fashioneds." Along with developing innova- tive cocktail programs, these local mixologists support the Northern New Mexico's cottage spirits industry. Staples has KGB Spirits 5-Year Rye Whiskey, Viracocha Vodka, Hacienda Gin and Brimstone Absinthe on her bar. Milligan is a fan of The Bitter End Bitters, Wheeler's Gin, Santa Fe Spirits' Silver Coyote White Whisky, Weaver Gin and Expedition Vodka—just to name a few. PHOTO: CHRIS CORRIE PHOTOGRAPHY