Category: Low-alcohol
Restaurant: Formento’s, Chicago
Creator: Cristiana DeLucca
Inspiration: “I was inspired by the Italian aperitivo, or predinner drink, that’s intended to open the palate. It’s a cocktail that’s low ABV, dry, a little bitter and has a lovely fizzy texture.”
Key Ingredients: Fiorente Elderflower, Peychaud’s Aperitivo, Carpano Dry Vermouth, Prosecco and lemon
Price: $13
What the Judges Said: With this graceful little drink, DeLucca makes the difficult task of balancing a bunch of bitter, floral flavors with sour and sweet ones seem like a summertime stroll along Lake Michigan. The great thing about low-alcohol cocktails, both for restaurateurs and their customers, is that you can drink several of them and still remember what you did today, and the Sweet Flower of Mine is definitely something you’ll want to remember.
Next: Nudge of the River
Previous: Drunken Panda