Daily Herald hosts martini masters in Elk Grove

A dozen mixologists converged in Elk Grove Village Monday night and poured all of their efforts into flashy drinks at the Daily Herald’s Best Martini in the ’Burbs Challenge event at the At The Post Sports Bar & OTB. While all the libations were prepared with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, a sponsor for the event, flavor combinations ranged from the fruity — the Berry White Martini — to the predictable — the Chocolate Love Martini — to the outright unexplainable — the Waldorf Martini.

Perhaps the efforts of the night were best summed up by participant Joshua Olson, creator of the Chocolate Love Martini, which he has made for acquaintances through the years. “I want people to say Josh gives special love to every martini he makes.” Those who wish to taste Josh’s martinis can find him behind the bar at Chicago Prime Steakhouse in Schaumburg.

The winner of the competition was Gail Fardman of Black Steer Charhouse of Elk Grove Village, and second place went to Cody Slager of Waterleaf at the College of DuPage.