Cheers Fall 2022 | Page 7

KIRA COLLINGS IS BAR MANAGER OF HEARTH AND HILL IN PARK CITY , UT .

Traveling has always been a passion of mine . For my first solo adventure , at the age of 19 , I booked a one-way ticket to Thailand . I spent two months exploring the “ land of smiles ” and immersing myself in the country ’ s beautiful surroundings . I felt so welcomed by the people and was mesmerized by the culture and food .

After long , hot days of exploring , I would search for a street cart selling these unique smoothies made with fresh watermelon , pureed with ice , lime , cream and what always seemed like a secret ingredient that I could never figure out .

As I started brainstorming cocktails for our menu at Hearth and Hill , I wanted to bring a little bit of my travels and supply our guests with a uniquely refreshing drink . I built a house-made watermelon cordial with a Thai basil simple syrup and a lemongrass tincture . I decided on tequila as the spirit for crowd appeal .

That led me to drop the lemongrass and swap it for chipotle bitters to complement the tequila . Then to add a pop of color , I garnish it with Mexico ’ s national flower — dahlias — thus the Tijuana Handshake was born .

TIJUANA HANDSHAKE

1 ½ oz . El Jimador reposado tequila ½ oz . El Jimador silver tequila ½ oz . Fresh lime juice 2 oz . House-made watermelon cordial 5 dashes Chipotle bitters

Combine all ingredients and shake to chill . Strain over a large ice cube to minimize dilution . Garnish with a lime and a dahlia .

For Watermelon cordial : 1 medium-sized watermelon , 1 quart of Thai basil simple syrup , 3 bar spoons of citric acid , 1 oz . grenadine .

Cut watermelon , puree it in a blender , then strain . Add basil syrup , citric acid and grenadine and stir .

The Court of Master Sommeliers , Americas , welcomes 10 new members to the organization : Tyler Alden , Barking Frog , Woodinville , WA ; Martin Beally , Canlis , Seattle ; Pablo Braida , Monarch Restaurant , Dallas ; Julie Dalton , Post Oak Hotel , Houston , TX ; Erik Elliott , Heitz Cellar , Napa Valley , CA ; Christopher Gaither , Ungrafted & Glu Glu , San Francisco ; Maddy Jimerson , Casa Tua , Aspen , CO ; Alexander Powell , Grill 23 , Boston ; Christopher Ramelb , Southern Glazer ’ s Wine & Spirits , Honolulu ; and Scott Turnbull , Winebow , Calistoga , CA .

The Master Sommelier Diploma involves an examination consisting of three sections : a verbal theory examination , a wine assessment exercise using the Deductive Tasting Method , and a practical component that focuses on hospitality , beverage service , salesmanship , and overall business acumen . Candidates must receive passing scores in each section to earn the Master Sommelier title .

Forty-five individuals from 16 states and three countries attempted the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination proctored by the Court of Master Sommeliers , Americas . In addition to the 10 Americans awarded the title of Master Sommelier , the Court of Master Sommeliers , Europe , welcomed Pierre Marie Pattieu

of Jackson Family Wines , Hong Kong , to their organization in August . The results were announced at a Krug Reception on Aug . 31 , 2022 , at the Royal Sonesta in Portland , OR .

Established in England in 1977 , The Court of Master Sommeliers sets the global standard of excellence for beverage service within the hospitality industry . The Americas chapter , which serves both North and South America , was established in 1987 . Since then , 182 professionals have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter .

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