Every town needs a cocktail to call its own. New York has the Manhattan (and for a good few years in the late ’90s, the Appletini), New Orleans has the Sazerac, and Milwaukee has, what else? Beer. When it comes to signature cocktails, Austin is no different. Except that instead of claiming just one “cocktail of all time,” this city of creative thought, live music, and generally keeping things weird, likes to name a new signature cocktail every year at the Austin Cocktail Throwdown.

In the past the town has seen the spicy-yet-controversial (long story) “Batini” from Lamberts, and more recently the “Fire In the Hole” from Ranch 616, which was simply a shot taken from a whole jalapeño filled with Tito’s Vodka, Paula’s Texas Orange liqueur, and lime juice, which is then followed by a chaser of Lone Star beer. (It doesn’t get more Austin-y than that!)

This year more than 20 local restaurants and bars entered their best concoctions into the 6^th Annual Austin Cocktail Throwdown hosted by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and sponsored by Tito’s Vodka.  The mission was simple: design a cocktail that has a distinctive “Austin” feel showcasing local ingredients and capturing the personality of this city. (Oh, and they had to use Tito’s vodka, of course.) The original entries were anonymously judged and narrowed down to a consummate top 5. (The most points were awarded for creativity, feasibility to be made year-round in a busy bar, and menu appeal.)

This year’s finalists:

·         Mole on the Rocks, by Fino

·         The Enlightened Austin Martini, by La Condesa

·         The Lady Bird, by the Stephen F. Austin’s Bar & Terrace

·         The Redbud, by Paggi House

·         Shirley Bird Tea, by Hyatt Lost Pines Resort & Spa

Last night more than 200 of Austin’s curious cocktail lovers assembled at the Gibson Guitar Showroom on South Congress to vote for the best of the finalists. It was a tough call. The tart and tangy “Lady Bird” made with Tito’s, Paula’s Texas Lemon liqueur, St. Germaine Elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon, and pear liqueur had a nice bite that was smooth and sweet. The “Mole on the Rocks,” designed by Fino’s Bill Norris, was a “big boy” drink that almost tasted like a bourbon-based beverage, but was layered with Tito’s, Treaty Oak Rum, Paula’s Texas Orange, and a handmade cinnamon-y Mole syrup. Though it was definitely a favorite, it felt more like it should be enjoyed with a ginger snap cookie while cuddled up around a crackling fire during the holidays.

In the end there was a clear winner. A not-too-sweet Texas watermelon sipper designed by chic downtown Mexican restaurant, La Condesa: the “Enlightened Austin Martini.” A combination of simple flavors, this martini is made from Tito’s, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, fresh watermelon juice, agave nectar, and a squeeze of lime. Though the name certainly implies a mind-altering experience, this silky concoction definitely delivers on a haze of freshness and fruity flavor, but the hint of lime at the end brings you back to down to earth with a nice finish and of course, the urge to try one more.

Congrats to La Condesa and the “Enlightened Austin Martini”. It may not be as edgy in name as last year’s “Fire in the Hole,” but at least for this year, it can claim the locally-coveted title of Austin’s signature cocktail.