Lotusland, the 37-acre estate of the late Madame Ganna Walska tucked away in Montecito, is best known for its whimsical maze of diverse botanical gardens. But, this weekend, the gardens will take a backstage as six Santa Barbara bartenders battle it out.
At Spirit of Lotusland, each mixologist will create a cocktail inspired by a different garden within the property.
KCRW met up with contender Kyle Peete, a bartender at Alcazar and Milk & Honey, as he stopped by the Santa Barbara Farmers Market to plan for the competition. He’s been assigned the Cactus Garden.
Here are some of Kyle’s favorite farmers market inspired cocktails:
1 small bunch of cilantro
3-4 cubes of watermelon
Pinch of salt
1oz yuzu
1/2oz orange blossom honey
2oz of Cutler’s gin
1 heaping bar spoon of Mamas apricot and jalapeño jam
Pinch of rosemary
1/2 oz lemon juice
1-2 dashes of bitters
2oz Cutlers stagecoach whiskey or bourbon
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To check out all our past farmers market segments, head to kcrw.com/meetatthemarket.
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