Chloe Thompson

The ladies and gents of the evening surrounding Lynne Breaux, president of RAMW.

Sip and Win: Rammy Cocktail Contest

It’s been called the “Oscars” of D.C.’s food industry, and with good reason—the RAMMYS are all about glitz, glam and delicious food. But lately, with mixologists coming out in force in the District, it’s been all about the drink, too.

The Flyer recently sipped some notable cocktails from the award gala’s nominees for “Mixology/Beverage Program of the Year,” and—as expected—these mixologists did not disappoint. Plunk down some cash for your own libations at any of these spots through June 20 and enter to win two tickets to this year’s gala “Carnevale de Cuisine” (your most outlandish carnevale dress recommended).

We were torn between two as our top contenders. Our favorite was ChurchKey, which quickly stepped up in 2009 as a hot spot for brews and an always-crowded hangout spot. Its Alewife concoction (right), was poured and dreamed up by beer master Greg Engert and mixologist Kevin Rogers. The refreshing citrus-tinged drink makes us want to sit poolside with a good read in hand. The drink is gin-based with Becherovka liquer (think ginger and cinnamon) plus lemon juice, honey syrup and sparkling wine.

On its heels was a drink with a little more zing, the Citros Gengibre (left) mixed up by Jon Arroyo of Founding Farmers. Though tequila might make some wary, it’s well masked in this delicious libation. Housemade ginger beer, grapefruit bitters and juice plus lemon juice and some cherry brandy round out the beverage. We wound up crushing the mint garnish into our drink for even more flavor.

Sophistication is the name of the game when it comes to Chantal Tseng’s Perennial Tea cocktail (right) from Tabard Inn. Served to us in an innocuous teacup, the cocktail still packs an alcohol-fueled wallop. Plymouth gin is mixed with chilled dandelion tea, Italian and French Vermouths and gran classic bitters (orange peel and rhubarb flavors).

Our favorite cocktail name goes to the mixologists from Bourbon Steak, Duane Sylvestre and Jamie MacBain for their creative Is He Sharpe (left)? With Father’s Day coming up, this drink is a good one for dad—or anyone, really. The cocktail blends Cruzan 9 rum, black tea, lime juice and a fabulous unexpected ingredient: house-made vanilla peppercorn syrup. Watch behind the bar if you can … the bartender pulls out a mini blowtorch to toast the peppercorns.

The newest scene from the contenders, Estadio, wasn’t at the preview to whip up their concoction, but from the sound of it, we’re sure it’ll still please. The summer cocktail by Adam Bernbach is called the Hop Skip, made with Absolut vodka, spice and salt-cured lime soda and garnished with lime and basil.

For more details on the RAMMYS on Sun., June 26 or to buy your own tickets, visit RAMW’s website.

[all photos taken by Chloe Thompson]