And the winner is.

Dine 'N Dish

by Brendan Kownacki | on January 5th, 2012 |

by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki

Penn Quarter’s new elegant eatery Elisir isn’t just an Italian food wonder, but a great place to mix it up…..as in the wondery of mixology. Thirty guests were more than happy to participate in Wednesday night’s straw poll themed evening to see which cocktail (each paired with a candidate) would get top billing in campaign land. (Jordan Wright Chef Enzo Fargione Angie Goff shown above) Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

Judy Kurtz and Sarah Crosland

Blended with scientific attention to detail, drinks such as the New Hampshire or Bust (vodka, peach blossom team, pomegranate liqueur, lavender pate de fruit) woke up taste buds proving that the perfect libation is far more than liquor in a glass.

Lauren Sloat Kate Michael Alex Naini

The same way food is a part of a culinary journey, beverages are as well” said Stephen Oshana who is the restaurant’s mixologist. Oshana explained that Elisir takes a different approach to craft cocktails than other places in the area and he really likes to experiment with the textures and flavors that each glass holds.

The cocktail menu features house-made infused syrups and garnishes like tobacco smoked cherries, campari marshmallows or even an array of foams.

“When you have a foam, it has this light texture…” he added while describing why the final step on several of their foam covered cocktails is a brushing with a brulee torch. “It adds a whole new element.”

Whether you fancy gin or bourbon, hot or cold, these intoxicating flavors are a perfect pairing for an evening out on the town.

And the winner of the political straw poll: “The Bain of My Existence” (Gin, Muddled Rosemary, Lemon, Sugar, Mint Foam) i.e. Mitt Romney.

Second place went to Ron Paul’s “IchBin Anyn non-interventionist” (Bourbon, Spiced Syrup, Tobacco Smoked Cherries)

Third place to: “Uh, The Uh, Um, Um” – If you can’t figure that one out, you need a drink. Ingredients: (Clove Infused Cognac, Honeycrisps Shrub, Hot Water, Cinnamon & Orange Foam). We loved the Honeycrisps Shrub.