There was no bathtub gin, but there was a lot of creative mixing as eight local bartenders presented modern versions of Jazz Age cocktails to guests June 25 at the Prohibition-themed Preservation Libations Mix-off at Albert Pike Memorial Temple. Partygoers, some dressed in 1920s glad rags, voted for their favorite drinks with swizzle sticks.
Winning the People's Choice Award was Kevis Smith, a bartender with Cache. (He had the most sticks in his jar.)
The refreshing beer cocktail he made was named The Keeper.
There was also a live competition with the bartenders making a signature drink in front of judges. Bartender Luiggi Uzcategui of the Afterthought Bistro & Bar was judged to be "Best in the Business." His winning drink was called "In With the Old." He described the complex drink as a "cocktail within a cocktail." The first part consisted of Anchor Genevieve, Adelaide liqueur, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup and plum bitters. The second part, he said, is a Negroni cocktail encapsulated in a membrane of sodium alginate and calcium lactate using reverse frozen spherification (a bubble).
"The idea behind the drink is to enjoy a few sips of the first cocktail, then popping the bubble to let the flavors combine. Once the bubble is popped, it creates a whole new taste experience," said the winning mixologist.
Others competing were Merrick Fagan of Trio's, Sarah Harrington of Heights Taco & Tamale Co., Spencer Mahan of So, Michael Peace of 109 & Co., Neil Pedrick of Ciao Baci and Ben Seay of Big Orange Mid-Town. Judges were Matt Bell, Jamie Brandon, Phil Brandon, Christopher Crane, Joel DiPippa, Spencer Jansen and Blair Wallace.
Joann Sims served as master of ceremonies and Amber Crouch was event chairman.
Money raised supports the preservation group Preserve Arkansas.
Formerly known as The Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas, the nonprofit works to build stronger communities by reconnecting Arkansans to their heritage and empowering people to save and rehabilitate historic Arkansas structures.
High Profile on 07/05/2015