The inaugural Manhattan cocktail classic kicked off last Friday night with a booze laden gala at the New York Public Library. Spread over 4 floors this fabulous fête that spanned two city blocks of space. Over a 100 of America’s top mixologists were on hand mixing up incredible cocktails. Professor David Wondrich made us all punch and H. from Elixr taught us about Cognac and Esteban from Don Q. Rumcreated a fun take on the piña colda complete with a coconut infused foam. Don Q. gave away an iPad using foursquare. I didn’t win. 🙁
In addition to live music and dancing in a cocktail strewn Astor Hall, many rooms featured a single brand. As were the halls, Hendricks Gin had the most interesting bar of the night. A lady sat atop as her dress made the entire top of the bar, and she was drinking martini’s. Diageo even recreated the famed Stoke Club in the Bartros Forum on the ground level. Complete with an 11 piece band and cocktails from Bulleit Bourbon, Tequila Don Julio, Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray Gin and Zacapa Rum, it was an amazing sight.
It was a night to remember, so we took a few pictures. Enjoy!
