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    Drago Centro's Clockwork Orange cocktail
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For the past month, Drago Centro has been on the hunt for a new cocktail to add to its upcoming summer menu, conducting a “People’s Cocktail” contest that invited amateur mixologists in L.A. to create recipes around a secret ingredient and submit their winningest undiscovered concoctions. And this Wednesday the 30th at Drago Centro downtown, the four winners from the four-week contest will create and submit their cocktails to some very discerning judges: me, Shauna of The Minty, Lesley of Tasting Table and more!

The finalists:

• Chuck Taggart’s Bell?aspetto: Woodford bourbon, Amaro Ramazzoti, cinnamon syrup, blueberries (secret ingredient)
• Ron Diggity’s Tramontana: Aquavit, Fernet Branca (secret ingredient), Cointreau, Angostura
• Matt Robold/Rumdood’s Dutch Elm Disease: Genever (gin is secret ingredient), Scotch, bitters, simple syrup
• Jeni Afuso/Oishii Eats’ Momo Rye Fizz: Rye,  peach, lemon juice (secret ingredient), club soda

While we ruminate over our very tough decision, the public is invited to enjoy drinks from the debuting summer cocktail menu for a special, one-night only price of $8 each.

Summer Cocktail List:

• Arancia Meccanica/Clockwork Orange: Sombra Mezcal, Red Bell Pepper, Cilantro, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime, Smoked Salt
• Artillery of the Angels: 10 Cane Rum, Rittenhouse Rye, Merryvale Antigua, Sencha, Pineapple, Cherry, Orange
• Dark Passenger: Bols Genever, Amaro Montenegro, Aperol
• Diabolico/Diabolical: Partida Blanco Tequila, Maurin, Velvet Falernum, Fresh Lime, Hawaiian Red Sea Salt
• Il Monaco Orientale/The Eastern Monk: Rock Junmai Ginjo Saké, Green Chartreuse, Fresh Mint, Fresh Lime
• La Sabbia Bianca/White Sand: Casa Noble Reposado Tequila, Coconut Cream, Fresh Pineapple, Fresh Lime
• Serenity Now! Lamill Organic Jasmine Tea Infused Hangar One Vodka, Lemon Verbena, Tangerine
• Tutto Americano/All American: Laird?s Applejack, Angostura Bitters, Fresh Watermelon, Pickled Watermelon Rind
• Vitamin A: Karlsson?s Vodka, St. Germain, Fresh Carrot Juice, Serrano Tincture, Fresh Ginger, Orange
• When in London: Bombay Sapphire Gin, Pimm?s No.1, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cucumber, Raspberries

Who has what it takes to add to this yummy-sounding list? Hope to see you there!

EVENT: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30 at 7pm

Drago Centro
The City National Bank Plaza
525 S Flower Street, Suite 120
Los Angeles, California 90071 (map)
Twitter: @DragoCentro