Aphrotini

With a name like Aphrotini, I was fearful this contender in the T-Zero Signature Drink Contest would contain some weird, curly ingredient. But I quickly learned that the cocktail — concocted by Trilogy bartender Blair Young — referred not to the Afro hairstyle, but to the word “aphrodisiac.” And then I fell in lust with the Aphrotini: four ounces of Level vodka, a smidge of Créme de Cassis and a sprinkle of cinnamon, shaken until frosty, poured into a martini glass garnished with a piece of crystallized ginger and topped with two ounces of Reed’s Premium Ginger Brew. According to Young’s contest entry, “Ginger is a spice among those most highly valued throughout history and worldwide. Ginger root is revered for its aphrodisiac powers and can be used to gain the affection of a lover. When chewed, ginger is thought to ‘expel evil spirits.’ This potent spice is also an effective digestive aid optimizing any dining experience.” All this could explain why I’ve always been a huge ginger fan –although my guess is that more than two Aphrotinis would render the ginger ineffective as a digestive aid. A couple of these cocktails rendered me quite ineffective for much of anything. Young’s creation deservedly took top honors in the contest, and I’ll drink to that.