Primary Alcohol: St. Germain and Pearl Cucumber Vodka

Description: A martini with a light and refreshing flavor, made by the mixologists at Graze and winning the people’s choice for best cocktail at Top Chef Iowa City.

Taste: Combining a hint of cucumber with the flowery assistance from the St. Germain and basil and a small kick of sour. The white grape is surprisingly present in every sip.

Appearance: Clear, elegant, with two grapes replacing the normal olives found in martinis. Served in a stemmed glass.

My experience: I was allowed to sample this delicious drink during the Top Chef event and sample it again when one serving wasn’t enough. Although flowers aren’t normally thought of as appetizing, the subtle flavor reminded me of a summer afternoon.  

Advice: Cucumber was very popular this year with new drinks, but the Pearl Cucumber Vodka was subtle when compared with the grape and flower components. Enjoy on a warm night for ideal consumption.

— by Ben Verhille