Spa-Tini by Phil Wills photo: B C Hill

Master Mixologist Phil Wills photo: B C Hill

This special Spa-tini was hand mixed for me by Master Mixologist Phil Wills. Phil is from the Spirits in Motion.

He worked his magic at sunset at The Flavor Experience Conference in Newport Beach. Phil updated the classic Side Car cocktail by substituting my favorite spiced rum for brandy and adding cinnamon sugar around the rim.

I asked Phil for a special drink to pair with my taste of a Lemon Piña Colada cup cake. He came up with the perfect solution, not too tart or too sweet, but just right.

I enjoyed the taste sensation of fresh lemon and crunchy sugar.

The top beverage trend for 2011 is called Mindful Mixology. Drink developers are taking a more enlightened approach to cocktails. I have noticed lighter, more refined flavors at The Flavor Experience Conference 2011. It

Phil Wills Mixing photo: B C Hill

certainly was a worthwhile experience between the workshops and tastes.

You may want to check out Spirts in Motion at http://www.thespiritsinmotion.com/.

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Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
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