The following cocktail was one of the winning entries from our Catoctin Creek / CHILLED Magazine Bartender Competition in 2022!  We had over 50 submissions to the contest, and this was one of the best!

FLORIDA

Runner Up: Matthew Cormier

Champe’s Attempt of Benedictine Arnold

Ingredients:  

• 2 oz Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye
  
• 1/2 oz spiced carrot syrup*
• 1/4 oz Benedictine
• 4 dashes black walnut bitters
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 1 spray absinthe 

Preparation: In a mixing glass combine all ingredients except absinthe and add ice. Stir approximately 10 rotations as to not over dilute cocktail. (Keep in mind it’s being served on crushed ice) strain cocktail into chilled coupe glass. Add crushed ice to create a dome in the cocktail. Spray 1 squeeze of absinthe from an atomizer. Garnish with an expressed orange twist and carrot greens. 

*Spiced carrot syrup 

Combine one cup Demerara sugar with one cup water in a pot. Bring to a boil. While bringing up to heat add 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 star anise, 1 tablespoon chopped ginger, 1/2 teaspoon high quality vanilla extract. Once boiling turn down heat and simmer until carrots are tender. Lightly mash carrots once tender. Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove all solids.