Best of the Bay-winning bartender Erin Green blew the Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot crowd away with a scrumptious, complex cocktail called “Off to the Races”—complete with a galloping equine garnish as a tribute to Woodford Reserve’s horse country connections. Over a huge crystal clear logo ice cube in a low ball cocktail glass she mixed:

1 oz. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
3/4 oz. Lillet Rouge Apéritif
1/2 oz. Giffard Crème de Cacao White
1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
Topped with grated nutmeg

For me, the lemon juice’s acidity magically brightens the entire concoction. Sadly, as the designated driver, I had to turn down a second round. @erinm_green on Instagram

This article appears in Best of The Bay 2023.

Jon Palmer Claridge—Tampa Bay's longest running, and perhaps last anonymous, food critic—has spent his life following two enduring passions, theatre and fine dining. He trained as a theatre professional...