A garden inspired cocktail competition hits Montecito’s Lotusland

Lotusland, the 37-acre estate of the late Madame Ganna Walska tucked away in Montecito, is best known for its whimsical maze of diverse botanical gardens. But, this weekend, the gardens will take a backstage as six Santa Barbara bartenders battle it out.

At Spirit of Lotusland, each mixologist will create a cocktail inspired by a different garden within the property.

Six Bartenders, Six Gardens

Let the cocktail slinging begin

KCRW met up with contender Kyle Peete, a bartender at Alcazar and Milk & Honey, as he stopped by the Santa Barbara Farmers Market to plan for the competition. He’s been assigned the Cactus Garden.

Here are some of Kyle’s favorite farmers market inspired cocktails:

Yin & Yuz

1 small bunch of cilantro

3-4 cubes of watermelon

Pinch of salt

1oz yuzu

1/2oz orange blossom honey

2oz of Cutler’s gin

Shaken and served up in a small coup garnished with a cilantro leaf

Ring around the Rosemary

1 heaping bar spoon of Mamas apricot and jalapeño jam

Pinch of rosemary

1/2 oz lemon juice

1-2 dashes of bitters

2oz Cutlers stagecoach whiskey or bourbon

Shaken and served on the rocks with a lemon twist, jalapeño wheel, and sprig of rosemary

—

To check out all our past farmers market segments, head to kcrw.com/meetatthemarket.