More than 250 people packed into the Riva Grill on Sept. 23 for the sixth annual Signature Cocktail Contest hosted by the Barton Foundation.

The contest featured one-of-a-kind creations made by local bartenders with Tahoe Blue Vodka and their choice of ingredients. This year, garnishes were a popular addition with different drinks boasting candied beets, cupcakes, and edible flowers.

This year’s contest participants included bartenders from Artemis Lakefront Café (Bret Cram and Xain Coslow), Coldwater Brewery (Mary Potorski), Gunbarrel Tavern (Kelsey Weist), Heavenly (Stephen Camp), Landing Resort and Spa (Marc Jensen), LewMarNel’s (Gary Gramprie), MontBleu (Sarah Woldt and Isaac Croll), Riva Grill (Erick Martinez), and Tahoe Beach Retreat (Andie and Sean McDaniel).

Attendees voted Riva Grill’s Blue Linen as Best Cocktail. The drink combined Tahoe Blue Vodka with lavender, mint, cucumber, and St. Germain. Martinez was also voted Most Congenial Bartender for the second year in a row. In 2013 he also won Best Cocktail.

The winning cocktail will be served at Barton Foundation’s Gala fundraiser on Dec. 5 during the Festival of Trees and Lights. Both events raise funds to support this year’s cause: expanding medical services and community programs for Barton Hospital’s Level III Trauma Center.