Ariana Johnson
San Diego, California
Modus
2202 Fourth Avenue @ Ivy Street, Bankers Hill
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Signature drink: the ruby slipper (local organic raspberries, Hendrick's Gin and a lemon wedge)
A trailblazer in a city that's still hooked on Red Bull and vodka, Ariana Johnson makes such stunningly original cocktails that other bartenders have been known to try and emulate her bold concoctions. She paid her dues, working for seven years at Martini Ranch before helping open Modus with her husband Scotty. Both are young (she's 29; he's 30) and obsessed with fresh, organic ingredients. Ariana goes to the local market to see what fruits and veggies are available and then crafts drinks out of the bounty by nightfall. She seems to like naughty names -- the bitter bitch (gin, grapefruit and rosemary), the dirty girl (vodka, bleu cheese olives and olive juice) -- and unusual ingredients (black walnut liqueur, ginger root and soju, an Asian vodka). She's a perfect example of a rising star with a strong vision and a sense of autonomy. Ask for a Long Island iced tea and she'll send you down the road.
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Photo: courtesy of Ariana Johnson
