Pictured: The Bramble cocktail from State Street, photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

A highlight from this year's Best of SRQ Local Readers' Competition. Dive into the liquid culture Sarasota has collectively crafted, and check out the movers and shakers doing it best, with intricate craft recipes and farm-to-glass ingredients around town. Top-shelf contender and seven-time winner State Street Eating House and its charismatic Bramble-making bartenders highballPlatinum by a land (mud)slide. Jack Dusty sneaks its way up from last year, winning Gold for its lush Siren. Veronica’s debuts in the competition for the first time with a celebratory clink of her flute. Battling for the most seductive atmosphere, liquor selection and intriguing concoctions, Pangea Alchemy Lab and Cask & Ale tie for Bronze.  

Kelly Fried (on State Street): Brambles and bubbles and bush, oh my. Ethan Weiss (on State Street): They hit hard. Joani Spadaro (on State Street): When I’m here I feel like I’m in a fancy New York bar, except that everyone is friendly and nice. The mixologists will make custom drinks depending on your taste and will be happy to do it. The atmosphere is sophisticated and homey. The bar food is excellent. A perfect experience. Crystile Carter (on Jack Dusty): The Siren is the best cocktail I’ve ever tasted, beautiful scenery and amazing service! Rebecca Pendergast (on Veronica’s): The barrel cocktails that they serve with the ice balls are strong and different. You can taste the wood in the liquor. Minta Getzen (on Pangea): From the mystery of entering through the alley, to the magic of the mixologists—this place is a treasure! Charles Ross-MacCormack (on Cask & Ale): Wildly creative and always working on bringing something new to the table.

Pictured: The Bramble cocktail from State Street, photo by Wyatt Kostygan.