New York in November

We're so excited about a few upcoming events in New York that we invited our Tasting Notes e-newsletter readers to get in on the fun and enter to win a weekend in the Big Apple, complete with accommodations for two at Kimpton's four-diamond Muse Hotel, tickets to TastingsNYC, the gourmet tasting event of the fall at Pier 94 (including admission to the International Chocolate Show) and exclusive tickets to the Martin Miller's Gin Masters Competition, pitting legendary U.S. and U.K. bartenders against each other in a fun-spirited competition to find the best gin cocktail.

To enter the giveaway, we asked readers to vote for their favorite Martin Miller's Gin cocktail, and we received nearly 500 responses. The number one pick on our list of five nominees? The bubbly French 75, followed closely by the Aviation, which was the pick of our randomly drawn winner, L.A.-based blogger H.C. So. Third place went to the Classic Gin & Tonic, followed by the absinthe-kissed Monkey Gland and surprisingly, the Classic Martini finished last. We also received some great original recipes.

In honor of our winner, here's a recipe for the Aviation that's sure to please:

Aviation

1 3/4 oz. Martin Miller's Gin
3/4 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. maraschino liqueur
Ice cubes
Tools: shaker
Glass: cocktail
Garnish: maraschino cherry

Shake ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish.

Note: Early printed versions of this recipe call for 1/4 oz. of crème de violette, which adds a lovely flavor and color to the drink.

Thanks to everyone who entered this giveaway, and congrats to our winner. If you didn't win this time, be sure you're on our e-newsletter list, because every issue includes recipes, news and special giveaways (and we never, EVER share your information). And if you're in the New York area next month (Nov 7–9), be sure to check out TastingsNYC for the delicious samples, from beer and cheese to Champagne and caviar.