VIRGINIANS' FAVORITE Cocktails As picked by the experienced folks from this magazine's "Behind the Bar" series. By Annie Tobey Photography by Jeb Inge S pirited Virginia has explored the commonwealth to find bartenders whose stories we can share with readers each issue in "Behind the Bar." These talented mixologists know their drinks and their customers. In this issue, we revisit some favorite bartenders who are still involved in the industry. We reached out to discover their take on favorite cocktails from their region of Virginia. These cocktails represent 18 VIRGINIA ABC | ABC.VIRGINIA.GOV what their customers enjoy and are made with Virginia spirits. Plus they're easy enough to make at home. Stir-shake-enjoy! JOSH EVANS Evans tends the bar at Isabella's Trattoria, Lynchburg. "This light and refreshing cocktail is a delight and a real crowd pleaser. I regularly offer it to my guests as an alternative to Cosmopolitans and more classic citrus-based aperitifs. It's always received with a lot of fanfare. "Quick and easy to build, it has the versatility to stand as an individual cocktail at the beginning of dinner or as the showstopper punch at a summer garden party. A very simple, yet surprisingly elegant recipe, this will be a hit at your next gettogether."http://ABC.VIRGINIA.GOV