The Bristol's Debbi Peek Takes 1st Place at U.S. Leg of World Cocktail Competition

First they announce a partnership with the Boka Restaurant Group. Then their pastry chef Amanda Rockman is named as a contestant on Top Chef Just Desserts. And now The Bristol has one more reason to celebrate: mixologist Debbi Peek just nabbed the top U.S. honors at the World Cocktail Competition in New Orleans.

Peek traveled to the annual Tales of the Cocktail event to compete in one of the biggest mixology events in the country against nearly 20 other bartenders from across the U.S. She bested the group with her No Passport Required cocktail made with cherrywood smoked Barcardi Anejo, caramelized perfect pineapple puree, ginger puree, brown sugar syrup and coconut milk and then served in a glass dipped in honey with a coconut rim. She even tapped pal Lynn House (Blackbird) to serve as her barback.

According to Bristol co-owner John Ross, Peek took the judges' choice and best overall technical awards. Peek will now head to Warsaw, Poland later this year to compete in the finals. Last year's winner came from Austria; here's hoping it goes to the U.S in 2011.

· Bristol, Boka Groups Teaming to Open Balena This Fall [~EChi~]
· The Bristol's Amanda Rockman on Top Chef Just Desserts [~EChi~]
· Even More Props for the Bristol [312DD]

Debbi Peek [Photo: StarChefs]