Top Chef Mix Happy Hour

Jen Biesty may have taken top prize at last week's SF Chefs Top Chef Happy Hour, but on my judges' scorecard, chef Ryan Scott came in a close second. The charismatic chef showed he's got skills behind the bar with his update on that classic girly drink known as the Lemon Drop.

Despite his use of brown sugar simple syrup, Scott's version of the Lemon Drop was more tart than the standard — not a bad thing for a drink with a cloying reputation. My favorite tweak was his version of the cocktail's sugared rim garnish, which employed honey, crushed lemon candy, and sea salt for a pluckier finish. For a more playful take on the traditional tipple, read more.

Over the weekend, the second annual SF Chefs event took place, and it wasn't just about the food — beer, wine, and cocktails were in full force, too. Case in point: MIX with SF Top Chefs, a happy hour featuring a cocktail shake-off between San Francisco's most memorable Top Chef alums.

Five contenders — Ryan Scott, Jen Biesty, Mattin Nobila, Erik Hopfinger, and Laurine Wickett — made original cocktail recipes that incorporated the use of Fiji Water, a sponsor for the event, and I had the pleasure of guest judging the competition. In the end, Top Chef: Chicago's Jen Biesty came out on top with a well-balanced cucumber cocktail.
Jen Biesty named her cocktail The Fiji Facial after being inspired by a famous San Francisco spa. Her zen-like cocktail incorporates health-minded ingredients like ginger juice and organic cane sugar. To score the refreshing recipe — and check out photos from the event — read on.