Local Bartender Places in the Cocktail World Cup competition in New Zealand

Award-winning FINO mixologist Bill Norris recently returned from New Zealand where he was part of a bartending team representing the Central United States in the World Cocktail Cup competition sponsored by 42Below Vodka. Team Central USA made up of Norris, Jared Boller, and Charles Joly created a drink called Wisdom of the Ages that garnered second place in the contest. Norris was generous enough to share the recipe for this delectable libation with Chronicle readers, but if it sounds too challenging to make at home, he'll also be glad to whip one up when you drop by the bar at FINO (2905 San Gabriel, 474-2905).

Wisdom of the Ages Cocktail 6 Sage leaves .5 oz of Green Chartreuse liqueur 1 oz Fresh White Grapefruit juice .5 oz Chamomile Syrup (recipe follows) 1 oz 42Below Plain Vodka 1 oz White Lillet Place sage leaves in a TEMPERED mixing glass and lightly tamp down using a muddler. Add Chartreuse and carefully set alight to toast sage leaves. Glass will become hot, so use extreme caution. In a separate TEMPERED mixing glass, combine the grapefruit juice, Chamomile syrup, and White Lillet. When the Chartreuse begins to burn out, transfer the toasted sage/Chartreuse mixture to the second glass. Be sure the flame is extinguished. Add Vodka and ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into a Collins glass over ice and garnish with a grapefruit peel ribbon held in place with a sage top around a straw. Chamomile Syrup 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 good quality Chamomile tea bag Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan, add sugar and tea bag. Stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and steep tea bag for 5-7 minutes. Discard tea bag and allow syrup to cool. Store in an airtight container.