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Update: The Bartenders League cocktail competition planned for March 7 at The Brixton in Babylon is being pushed back due to weather. See Facebook post below.
Original post: What started as a group chat among friends and colleagues has turned into something much more.
Bar managers, restaurants owners and bartenders across Long Island and Queens soon teamed up to launch the Bartenders League — a cocktail competition series that raises money for charity.
“We were trying to get everyone together,” explained Pat Capellini of The Brixton in Babylon. “We wanted to all go out and have a good time.”
After failing to get all the buddies together, Frank Antonetti of The Rust & Gold in Huntington stepped up and came up with the league idea.
“[Frank Antonetti] had this idea to create an event for us, by us,” said Capellini.
The Bartenders League, which holds competitions bi-monthly across the island, had its first-ever event on Jan. 3 at Hush Bistro in Huntington.
“It was a great turnout, but I think it could be better,” said Capellini.
Capellini is hoping the Bartender League’s round two will be an even bigger event now that the first one is under everyone’s belt.
The Brixton will be hosting the drink-off on Wednesday, March 7.
And whether they raise a bunch of money or not, the magic lies in getting the friends together for a good time.
“We get really excited when we’re putting a smile on peoples’ faces,” he said. “And on top of that, it is for charity.”
A portion of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
how it works
After purchasing a $20 ticket at the door, patrons will get to try each cocktail from the 10 participants— twice.
After that, each person is given a scorecard to grade the best drink of the night.
The event, which starts at 10 p.m., will tally the picks and announce a winner at midnight.
The bartender or restaurant that concocts the best drink will be awarded a trophy. And, of course, bragging rights.
As far as the drinks go, the bartenders have free-range on what to make.
The one rule for Babylon is that no ingredient will be bigger than the liquor sponsor, Woodford Reserve bourbon.
the participants
- The Rust & Gold
- The Brixton
- Radio/Radio
- Perennial
- Del Fuego
- Jonathan Gonzalez
- The Local
- Queens Bully
- Crabtree’s New York and Main
- Tracy Johanna
Top: A Brixton bartender shaking things up. (Credit: Instagram)
