“Sip and Savor” at Callaway Gardens Cocktail Competition

Back in March, Callaway Gardens hosted their annual Sip and Savor Spring event where bartenders competed in cocktail competition at Tastings Under the Big Top. The “Sip Cocktail Challenge” featured a lively people’s choice competition from some of the region’s best bartenders. The winning cocktail this year is a play on the rich and sweet nutty flavors of everyone’s favorite dessert from the Middle East: baklava.

This recipe uses Four Roses Small Batch and a simple syrup that you could also use if making the pastry version. The garnish—made of crushed pistachios, cinnamon, and a little orange juice to make it stick—adds some a texture to the cocktail. Try making this cocktail at home and tag us on social media so we can see your recreations of this treat!

A Baklava By Any Other Name

Michael Kibler of the American Smokehouse in West Point, GA

1.5 oz Four Roses Small Batch

1 oz Baklava Simple Syrup

1 oz Soda

.5 oz Disaronno

Orange juice and crushed pistachio cinnamon mixture for garnish

Baklava Simple Syrup: Sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, orange blossom water

Wet rim of glass with orange juice and coat with crushed pistachio cinnamon mixture. Combine all ingredients, stir over ice and strain into glass.