Artini Gala Creates Quite a Stir

Winning drinks inspired by oil paintings in the Corcoran's collection

After several weeks of previews, a pulsating crowd of stylishly dressed young professionals filled the Corcoran this past Saturday to celebrate Artini 2012.

Throughout March, mixologists across the city hosted feature nights starring their own signature artistic martinis, inspired by works in the Corcoran's collection. Mixologists, art fans and people who, frankly, just enjoy cocktails (so, everyone) came together Saturday night to crown the martini master.

The music and rainbow lighting enlivened the darkened grand foyer, but it was the drinks themselves that were the show-stoppers. The lines were long, as to be expected, but even the line for POV exceeded expectations. Joe Ambrose's artini created such a stir individuals waited up to 10 minutes for one. Ambrose -- whos artini was inspired by the oil painting "Theophrastus Garden 2" -- nabbed the critics' choice award.

Washingtonian readers named Ronald FLores (Art & Soul) the winner of the readers' choice award. His drink was inspired by Aaron Douglas' "Into Bondage" oil painting, Washingtonian reported.

By 11 p.m., most of the cocktails were gone, and with another hour of revelry that was a bit disappointing. But it clearly shows the interest in learning about (or at least drinking) artinis, and spirits were high. Thankfully, everyone kept a calm head despite the empty glasses.

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