2011 Reader Bar & Club Awards: Best Creative Cocktails

Going into the last weekend of voting in the 2011 Reader Bar & Club Awards, things are still extremely tight. One vote could make all the difference in many categories, so vote now if you haven't already done so. Click here to cast your votes there's only three full days of voting left before the polls close at noon on Monday (May 9).

If you're going out this weekend, why not try one or two (or if you're brave, all!) of the fine drinks nominated in our "Best Creative Cocktails" category? Meet the contenders:

The Terminator
Where: The Brick
What: Probably the last thing you'll see before passing out. According to The Brick's boss, Lee Mitchell, The Terminator is ""Basically a quadruple Long Island Ice Tea topped with beer, cider and blackcurrant. It's brick-red in color, tastes like candy and gives a nice dizzy, schoolgirl-esque drunk feel. Four drinks in one glass, simple but effective, tasty, strong, fun."

Lemongrass Gimlet
Where: Atmosphere, China World Summit Wing
What: Based on the classic gimlet recipe - gin lightened up with citrus flavors - with a sprig of lemongrass adding a Southeast Asian twist

The Dizzy Buddha
Where: Fubar
What: Served in Fubar's iconic ceramic Buddha mugs, The Dizzy Buddha combines vodka with various tropical flavors - including coconut - for a drink that lures you into thinking it won't get you drunk. It will.

The Passionate Englishman
Where: Flamme
What: Paul Mathew's punchy cocktail serves up gin mixed with passionfruit, homemade apple syrup and lemon.

Bacon Bourbon Old-Fashioned
Where: Apothecary
What: Perhaps the Apothecary alchemists' pinnacle achievement thus far, this Old Fashioned comes flavored with the pungent aroma of bacon-infused bourbon.

Pisco Sour
Where: Apothecary
What: Sour as the name suggests, but also a little bit sweet, Apothecary's Pisco Sour combines grape brandy, house-made bitters and lemon juice, with egg white adding a creamy finish.

Passionfruit Martini
Where: Mesh
What: Fruity and packed with flavor, this is the most popular of Mesh's trademark flavored martinis.

Mala Mule
Where: Mao Mao Chong
What: The standard Moscow Mule combination - vodka, lime and ginger ale - except that the vodka has been infused with numbing Sichuan peppers. Your tongue won't forget this one.

The Jing Fling
Where: Mao Mao Chong
What: Baijiu combined with cinammon-infused vodka, sour plum-infused vodka, plum juice and anise for a drink with decidedly Beijing characteristics.