Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/832383
june 2017 / the tasting panel / 95 The Call for Cocktails competitors (left to right): Tony Abou-Ganim, author of Vodka Distilled, and emcee; Marco Baroli, Mixologist, LiDestri Spirits; Willy Shine, Brand Meister, Jägermeister; Natalie Cuesto, Mixologist, Iceberg Vodka; Lulu Martinez, Mixologist and Director of Events and Education, Liquid Productions; Troy Clarke, Director of Mixology, Martignetti Companies; Chris Ware, South Texas Sales Manager, Azar Family Brands. Not pictured: Paul Johnson, Brand Ambassador, Davos Brands. CALL FOR COCKTAILS: MIXOLOGY COMPETITION More than 100 cocktails were submitted for consideration to this year's WSWA Call for Cocktails Mixology Competition. Of those entries, 11 made it to the stage and competed head-to-head in the categories of taste, creativity and originality, presentation and overall impression of the drink. "We always taste with our eyes first," expressed Tony Abou-Ganim, emcee of this year's competition and author of The Modern Mixologist: Contemporary Classic Cocktails. Some of each cocktail's success rode on the question: "Would I order another?" explained Abou-Ganim, and with the number of low-proof cocktails in this year's competition shining through, the mixologists proved that low-alcohol can also mean high flavor. —Matt Jackson Troy Clarke, Director of Mixology of Martignetti Companies, had an impressive four drinks in this year's competition. He won the Gold per his inventive "Slow and Low" with Galliano L'Apertivo and gar- nished with a raw oyster inside a coconut shell. Willy Shine, Brand Meister, Jägermeister took home Third Place with his "Jägermeister Thai Tea," topped with coconut milk and kaffir lime leaf. The People's Choice Award went to Marco Baroli, Mixologist of LiDestri Spirit, for his "Sister Smokin' Ginger" featuring Cask & Crew Ginger Spice Whiskey. Second Place winner, "Kickback Sling," featuring Cherry Heering, was created by Troy Clarke, Director of Mixology, Martignetti Companies, and whipped up by Lulu Martinez, Mixologist and Director of Events and Education for Liquid Productions.