Houstonian Michelle Yanez shakes her way to the top

The Yard House bartender beat out 1,000 competitors nationally

Houston – If you’re looking for a way to elevate your cocktail game this summer, Michelle Yanez can help. Trust her, she’s a cocktail champ! The Houston native just took home the top prize at Yard House’s Best on Tap competition. She walked away a $5,000 check, and bragging rights holding to the title of Yard House’s top talent.

Michelle joined us from Houston CityCentre Yard House, with her general manager Justin Goin.

She’s taught us how to make her favorite drink on the menu, the Dragon Fruit Cosmo. Here’s the recipe down below so you can make it at home, too!

Yard House Dragon Fruit Cosmo:

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. Vodka
  • ½ oz. Dragon Fruit Syrup
  • ½ oz. Citrus Agave
  • 1 oz. Cranberry Juice
  • One lemon wedge squeezed
  • 8 drops of foaming bitters

Directions:

 Pour an ounce and a half of Vodka into our shaker.

  1. Add in a half ounce of Dragon Fruit Syrup
  2. Pour in a half ounce of citrus agave blend
  3. Pour an ounce of some Cranberry Juice, along with a squeeze of a lemon wedge
  4. Finally, add in 8 drops of Foaming Bitters
  5. Shake well!
  6. Grab your favorite martini glass and strain the dragon fruit cosmo into it
  7. Lastly, garnish the cocktail with a piece of dried dragon fruit!
Bartending Competition Winner Michelle Yanez (Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved)

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