Amid a field of five very strong contenders, whittled down from dozens of entrants around the city, mixologist Shawn Chen of Red Farm took home the grand prize at Dickel’s Great Whiskey Cocktail Contest last week.
The decision was not an easy one — some members of the 3-person judging team were quite fond of Dyckman Bar’s citrus-and-cider Trapped in the 90s cocktail — but ultimately Chen’s creation took the day. The judges, including our editor Jesse Hirsch, felt that his Chit-Cha Toddy was a nice combination of the traditional and the inventive.
Chen prepared this twist on a hot toddy with a delicate and beautiful tea ritual; the combination of form and function proved irresistible. Other ingredients included ginger, oolong tea, blossom honey and cinnamon sugar on the rim. A strong, subtle drink that truly allowed the Dickel flavor to shine through. Try one for yourself!
