MIX FOR THE MASSES

Spirits of preservation

Libation mix-off at historic Masonic center furthers historic preservation

As it turns out, prohibition is for sissies.

Preserve Arkansas' second annual Preservation Libations Master Mix-Off was a cocktail throw-down with Little Rock's top mixologists competing for awards and glory, all in the name of historic preservation education and advocacy in Arkansas.

About 200 guests bedecked in '20s- and '30s-era outfits -- pinstripes and snappy vests for the fellas and flapper dresses accessorized with feather boas and thin, sparkly headbands for the honeys -- gathered for the fundraiser the night of July 22 at the Albert Pike Masonic Center.

The center in the 700 block of Scott Street, often called the Albert Pike Masonic Temple, is a monumental three-story structure in the Neoclassical Revival style of architecture, fronted with 19 Greek Ionic columns. It serves as the headquarters for the Masonic fraternity in Arkansas.

The monumental building's dedication in 1924 was smack in the center of Prohibition, though it's unlikely that the place was liquor-free until the legal drought (or nondrought) ended in 1933.

"I think that Preserve Arkansas received a high level of exposure to new audiences before and during the event. Who doesn't like to enjoy tasty cocktails in a beautiful historic building?" quipped the group's new executive director, Rachel Silva.

The booze was flowing freely for Preserve Arkansas' tasting and bartending competition. One observer noted of the cocktails, "They're all strong. They're all real strong." That's why they were served in samples the size of a spit cup you might see in a dentist's office. Master of ceremonies Joann "JoJo" Sims reminded the thirsty crowd: "Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! That doesn't mean you just drink all booze!"

From the crowd-tasting, a People's Choice Award was given to Dillon Garcia of The Pizzeria at Terry's Finer Foods for his drink called The Bittered Sling, which included Maker's Mark bourbon, angostura bitters and Regan's orange bitters splashed over a hand-carved ice block. Guests were given two swizzle sticks each at the beginning of the night and dropped them into jars of the bartenders who served their favorites. Additional votes -- or stir sticks -- could be bought for $2 each. The event raised $9,000 for Preserve Arkansas.

Rob Armstrong of The Fold and Raduno Brick Oven and Barroom received the coveted Master Mixologist Award for his Jimbo Spice: Cathead vodka, lemon-honey syrup, Rothman and Winter Orchard Peach liqueur, as well as a drink he dubbed Coal Jam: Mezcal Sacrificio, amaro sfumato, dry orange curacao, pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice and dashes of chocolate bitters topped with roasted marshmallow garnish.

The night was no doubt capped off with a painkiller or two to ward off any hangovers.

-- Story and photos by Cyd King

High Profile on 07/31/2016

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