Smoky River Cocktail wins Asheville's Battle of the Bartenders

During the recent Asheville Restaurant week a contest for lively libations, Battle of the Bartenders, was also taking place. Ann Walczak of Red Stag Grill concocted the Smoky River cocktail and received the highest number of votes from happy consumers during the city-wide competition.

The challenge was for local mixologists to create a signature drink using a locally produced spirit from Asheville Distilling Company's Troy and Sons products. It's only fitting that in an area once known for mountainside stills that Moonshine (now legally produced) would be the base of the winning beverage

Watch the video below to see how Ann crafted her winning cocktail.

RECIPE:
Combine the following:
1.25 oz Troy & Sons Platinum Moonshine
.5 oz Cointreau
.5 oz Patron Citronage
Splash of St. Germaine
1.5 oz Jalepeno Cilantro Syrups (watch the video to see how it's made)
A pinch of salt

For wow factor, cut the end of an Orange and run the peel over an open flame. Do this long enough for the oils to bubble up to the surface of the rind and then rub them along the edge of the glass. Then drop the peel inside the drink.