Here’s one of the winning cocktails from the Los Angeles Downtown Sub-District Cocktail Competition of 2009 (details and rules here), judged by Ted “Dr. Cocktail” Haigh.

Fashion District Cocktail
(by Eric Tecosky, Jones, Hollywood)

2-1/2 ounces Cognac
1/2 ounce Orange Curaçao
1/4 ounce Honey Syrup (50/50 mix honey & warm water)
2 Dashes Orange Bitters
Aperol

Stir & strain into an Aperol-rinsed Cocktail Glass.
Garnish – 2 Luxardo Amarena Cherries

Here’s one of the winning cocktails from the Los Angeles Downtown Sub-District Cocktail Competition of 2009 (details and rules here), judged by Ted “Dr. Cocktail” Haigh.

Joe was also the winner of the NBC competition program “America’s Top Bartender” in 2009. Go Joe!

Civic Center Cocktail
(by Joseph Brooke, Copa D’Oro)

2 ounces Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy
3/4 ounce Grand Marnier
1/2 ounce Tawny Port
2 Dashes Orange Bitters (preferably a 50/50 blend of Fee Bros. Orange Bitters & Regan’s No. 6)

Stir & strain.
Flamed Orange Peel – Cocktail Glass

Here’s one of the winning cocktails from the Los Angeles Downtown Sub-District Cocktail Competition of 2009 (details and rules here), judged by Ted “Dr. Cocktail” Haigh.

Old Bank Cocktail
(by Chris Ojeda, The Varnish)

2 ounces Extra Añejo Rum (Brugal)
1/2 ounce Velvet Falernum (John D. Taylor’s)
1/2 ounce Carpano Antica
Dash Angostura Bitters

Stir & strain.
Lemon Peel – Cocktail Glass

Here’s one of the winning cocktails from the Los Angeles Downtown Sub-District Cocktail Competition of 2009 (details and rules here), judged by Ted “Dr. Cocktail” Haigh.

The Skid Row Cocktail
(by Eric Alperin, The Varnish)

2 ounces Genever (Bols)
1/2 ounce Apricot Liqueur (I prefer Orchard Apricot by Rothman & Winter, but Marie Brizard will work too.)
1/2 ounce Ramazotti
Dash of Orange Bitters (Fee Bros.)

Stir & strain.
Flamed Orange Peel – Cocktail Coupe

Another terrific drink, from one of our best local bartenders. What the world needs now is more genever drinks.

Here’s one of the winning cocktails from the Los Angeles Downtown Sub-District Cocktail Competition of 2009 (details and rules here), judged by Ted “Dr. Cocktail” Haigh.

Arts District Cocktail
(by Leo Rivas, Seven Grand Whiskey Bar)

2 ounces Rye whiskey
1/2 ounce Cynar
1/4 ounce Bénédictine

Stir & strain.
Grapefruit Peel – Cocktail Glass

Along with the Historic Core Cocktail, this was one of the very best in the competition. Those Seven Grand boys know how to make drinks!