Beginning today, and continuing through June 20, he’ll be serving a special off-menu concoction: The Citros Gengibre, a tasty mix of Tres Generations Tequila, house-made ginger beer, grapefruit bitters and juice, and other tidbits. Be sure to ask your server or bartender for it by name. Along with the drink you’ll have the opportunity to vote for the cocktail as a “fan favorite” in the 2011 RAMMYS. You’ll also be entered into a drawing for two tickets to attend the awards ceremony, which takes place on Sunday, June 26. Bottoms up!

Jon Arroyo's Harold & Maude cocktail

Come support Farmers & Fishers / Founding Farmers Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo as he serves up his inspired cocktail “Harold and Maude” influenced by Delacroix’s 1862 Tiger and Snake oil painting on canvas. Jon is a cheftestant in the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s annual ARTINI event, an exhibition of Washington’s top 12 mixologists, competing to craft premier cocktails inspired by a select work from the Corcoran collection.

At first glance, Jon “was stuck by the opposing forces portrayed in the painting” and was inspired by clash of a snake against a tiger, and their surprising and unconventional beauty when paired together. He then crafted what he calls “Harold and Maude”, a cocktail inspired off yet another unusual, mismatched couple featuring seemingly incompatible ingredients that become brilliant when shaken together.

This April 2, the ARTINI cocktail party celebrates its fourth year at the Corcoran Gallery of Art from 8:30pm to midnight and showcases the inspired cocktails of all 12 mixologists, with an open beer and wine bar, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, music, and dancing. The winning ARTINI will be announced during the evening. It’s not too late to cast your vote for “Harold and Maude” to support Jon!

Battlegrounds are in the Jefferson Hotel Quill Lounge. Tickets to the event are $50 and include passed cocktails and snacks beginning at 2:00 pm. At 3:00 pm, the battle begins, guests will sample the goods, and only one mixologist will reign supreme. Good luck, Jon!

Herb-crusted rotisserie chicken paired with the Dolores Dulces cocktail, a soon-to-be menu feature

Founding Farmers is one of just five restaurants to be showcased at the inaugural prelude event to the International Wine & Food Festival in February. On November 30, Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo and Executive Chef Al Nappo will team up at Spirit of the Festival and use Patron XO Café to create a unique cocktail and food pairing. This week, the duo gave DC food journalists and bloggers a first taste of the pairing.

The Dolores Dulces cocktail features Patron XO Café, cognac, cherry brandy, egg white and a garnish of fresh grated nutmeg. The rich and delicious concoction pairs nicely with Chef’s herb-crusted rotisserie chicken with Maryland kale, cabbage and pears sautéed in Patron XO Café. Founding Farmers will feature the Dolores Dulces for a limited time after the competition.

On August 10, Jon Arroyo, the cocktail mastermind behind Alembic Cocktail Catering and the Founding Farmers and Farmers & Fishers mixology programs, served a signature cocktail at the James Beard House in New York City.

A handful of Washington, DC’s most talented chefs and mixologists, all RAMMY nominees, presented their dishes at this prestigious event. Jon served his RAMMY cocktail, “Play It Again, Jim.” The unique twist on a traditional daiquiri is made with Jim Beam Rye Whiskey, lime juice, Luxardo Maraschino, grenadine and Angostura bitters.

Cocktail must be of equal or lesser value. Limit one per guest.

Executive Chef Al Nappo prepared and served Founding Farmers’ house-made blue crab ravioli in tomato basil butter with goat cheese.  From sister restaurant, Farmers & Fishers, his team also served gazpacho with tortilla strips and chocolate-covered bacon lollipops.

Jon Arroyo, Chief Mixologist for both restaurants and Alembic Cocktail Catering, served a refreshing summer cocktail. The Alembic Summer Punch Royale is a delicious combination of Pisco, Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime, lemon and a little sparkling wine.

The chefs, food, cocktails and the auction surely made this a night to remember.