AUSTIN, Texas — They came, they imbibed, and one conquered — Juniper is the winner of this year's “Official Drink of Austin."
- Juniper's 'Town Lake Yacht Club' wins
- Benefits Food & Wine Alliance culinary grants
Nickel City, Odd Duck, Juniper, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, Backbeat, ATX Cocina, Garage and Fulton went head to head Thursday night, crafting cocktails for a good cause.
Presented by the Austin Food & Wine Alliance, drink makers' only prerequisite is that they must use at least one local ingredient.
The panel of judges this year included singer-songwriter Tameca Jones, New Waterloo pastry chef Amanda Rockman and Half Step owner Chris Bostick.
Together, they determined that, Juniper is the 2018 Official Drink of Austin winner for its “Town Lake Yacht Club.”
The bar team from Juniper was led by Ryan Foster. Together they concocted the "Town Lake Yacht Club" featuring Cynar 70, Italicus Rosolio, and Waterloo Gin with strawberry preserves, flavors of lemon and lime, topped with slices of orange.
Austin Food & Wine Alliance hosts events throughout the year to raise funds for culinary grants, the nation’s first grant program based on culinary innovation and community giveback.
Juniper is located at 2400 E Cesar Chavez St., where you can taste for yourself.
For more information, visit AustinFoodWineAlliance.org.