Riva Grill cocktail wins Barton Hospital's "Best Cocktail" contest

Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/25/2015 - 10:51pm

More than 250 people packed the Riva Grill Thursday night for Barton Foundation's 6th Annual Signature Cocktail Contest.

The winner of the event, Riva Grill's Erick Martinez, is no stranger to the podium. Attendees voted his Blue Linen “Best Cocktail.” The drink combined Tahoe Blue Vodka with lavender, mint, cucumber, and St. Germain. Martinez, who also received the most tips and was voted “Most Congenial Bartender.” Erick received “Most Congenial Bartender” in 2014 and “Best Cocktail” in 2013.

The contest featured one-of-a-kind creations made by local bartenders with Tahoe Blue Vodka and their choice of ingredients. This year, garnishes were a popular addition with different drinks boasting candied beets, cupcakes, and edible flowers.

This year’s contest participants included bartenders from Artemis Lakefront Café (Bret Cram and Xain Coslow), Coldwater Brewery (Mary Potorski), Gunbarrel Tavern (Kelsey Weist), Heavenly (Stephen Camp), The Landing Resort and Spa (Marc Jensen), LewMarNel’s (Gary Gramprie), MontBleu (Sarah Woldt and Isaac Croll), Riva Grill, and Tahoe Beach Retreat (Andie and Sean McDaniel). Jesse Kalin Carson provided music and Riva Grill served heavy appetizers to complement the event.

The winning cocktail will be served at Barton Foundation’s Gala fundraiser on Saturday, December 5 during the Festival of Trees and Lights. Both events raise funds to support this year’s cause: expanding medical services and community programs for Barton Hospital’s Level III Trauma Center.