GLI is looking to pack Lily Flanagan’s in Babylon on Wednesday, April 10, for this year’s Bartender Battle cocktail contest finals. Things will get rolling at noon at 345 Deer Park Ave. The event is free and open to the public, with Bobby Digital performing all his favorite drinking songs and featuring celebrity judge Erin Colton of News 12 Long Island. Scroll down for all the details.
What happens
The two finalists will each be asked to create a Manhattan, espresso vodka martini and margarita for three judges who will determine who hoists the 2024 Golden Shaker for Long Island’s Greatest Bartender. The trophy is being presented by Main St. Menu Club.
Each bartender could bring his or her own tools, mixes, syrups, fruits and preferred spirits.
Meet the finalists
The bartenders left standing from our month-long, online voting bracket are Ernie Liebow of George Martin The Original in Rockville Centre, who’s representing Nassau County, and Nicolle Leitke of Tres Palms in Babylon, who’s representing Suffolk County. Given Nicolle already works in Babylon Village she’ll be playing on home turf, so let’s hope Rockville Centre and the Ernie faithful travel well!
Meet the judges
- Erin Colton of News 12 Long Island (celebrity judge)
- Dan Bartley of Mary Caroll’s in Babylon (2023 champion)
- Pietro Faetanini of Michaelangelo’s Wine Bar in Massapequa (industry veteran and consummate pro)
2023 Finals Recap
Want to see what’s in store? Check out this short video recap from 2023’s finals in Patchogue:
Bobby Digital
