Most Imaginative Bartender

Photographed in Atlanta, GA

Raised in:
Born in Atlanta, and raised all over Southeasten Coastal towns.

Lives in:
Atlanta, Georgia

Inspiration for winning cocktail:
I wanted to compliment and enhance the botanical profile of Bombay Sapphire. Carrot and juniper actually work together really well, so that was the inspiration for the foam. The juniper, coriander, and bay leaf spiced syrup compliment the citrus juice. It all comes together to make the cocktail really refreshing.

Behind the name, ‘Pickfair’s Garden’: 
Douglas Fairbanks gave Mary Pickford the 182-carat Star of Bombay sapphire. They were the ‘Brangelina’ of the ’20s, and their 56 acre esate was dubbed ‘Pickfair’ by the press. I picture this cocktail being passed around on trays at the Hollywood parties they threw. It’s a whimsical homage to them.

The Recipe:
1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin
1 oz citrus juice (mix of lemon and grapefruit juice)
3/4 oz Cocchi Americano
1/2 oz spiced sugar syrup (juniper, coriander, bayleaf)
4 drops Scrappy’s Cardamon Bitters
Carrot Foam

Combine all ingredients, except for the bitters and foam, with ice and shake.
Fine strain into a coupe.
Add Cardamom bitters and carefully top with carrot foam.
Garnish with candied carrot “twist” and sprig of carrot top.

Now would ya look at that:
Meet Kellie Thorn, Bar Manager at Empire State South. A few weeks ago, Kellie competed in the regional finals of the “Most Imaginative Bartender” competion, sponsored by Bombay Sapphire Gin. After a series of challenging timed sessions, surprise twists and blind tastings by a panel of esteemed judges including Bombay Sapphire Brand Ambassador, Scott Mayer, her innovative ‘Pickfair’s Garden’ was recognized as the most original mixology masterpiece in Atlanta. This creation advances her to the USGB Bartender Summit in Las Vegas in two days (Sunday, September 8th). She’ll share the stage with 51 of the country’s top mixologist for the chance at the title of “USBG Nation’s Most Imaginative Bartender.” If Kellie takes the title in Vegas, she’ll get a cover feature in the December 2013 GQ magazine “Men of The Year” issue (as one of the very few females) alongside her cocktail, and secure a spot in the 3rd annual global finals.

Go, Kellie, go!