By Jennifer Shanteau
Photos by Michelle Kroytor
About
The New York Cocktail Expo was held this past Sunday, August 18th at Melrose Ballroom in Long Island City, and it was CRAZY! Rarely, have I ever been at an event filled with more festive beverages. Just about every type of liquor was offered, from bourbon, whiskey, and tequila, to gin, rum and vodka. A literal multitude of bars were represented, and bartenders from the best bars in the area competed in the Tiki Throw Down, and for the Best Cocktail Award. It was a meet and greet for all of the industry, and anyone interested in some serious mixology. It felt, and looked like the world was there.
Attendees were allowed one tasting per booth, but there were so many booths, this was a nearly impossible feat. I’m not a shrinking violet when it comes to my alcohol, but sampling everything, was just not ever going to happen. To say that you get your money’s worth is a gross understatement, especially considering the high quality of beverages being offered. In fact, now I know why in my ticket confirmation email, they all but demanded you eat heartily before you came. Thankfully, Queens Bully was there offering alcohol soaking Mac and Cheese and Sliders, the perfect complement to all things spirited.
Best Find
The best thing about these types of events, is that you inevitably find something you’ve never heard of before, and fall madly in love with. For me, it was Cask & Crew Walnut Toffee Whiskey. What??!! I know! It tastes exactly like its name. There is now no whiskey dearer to my beating heart. It’s not even expensive! When I googled the retail price, I expected to see at least a $65 price tag, but it’s only around $23! Steal!
Favorite Cocktails
As for favorite cocktails, there were several great options, drinks involving everything from chocolate infusions, Earl Grey tea, Thai Basil Cordial, Cardamaro Vino Amaro, and Tomato and Cherry Cure. No, I hadn’t heard of these either. See? This place is straight up educational. Yes, that’s why I went, of course.
I have two favorite cocktails of the day. These are beverages I could order multiples of at a bar. First, was Kill Devil’s Black Cloud, which contained Brockmans Gin, Passionfruit, Pineapple, Orgeat, Lemon and Absinthe. It was so well balanced, the passionfruit didn’t take over the drink, but starred nicely.
My other favorite for best cocktail was Ardyn’s Roadside Attraction, comprised of Sacrvm Mezcal, Watermelon, Chocolate, Summer Corn, Lime, Champagne Vinegar and Thyme. Wow, right?! I was bad, I had two of these. Ooops!
Thinking of Attending?
I’m telling you, if you’ve never attended the New York Cocktail Expo, you must add it to your schedule for next year. With over 50 vendors, there is definitely something for everyone. It was educational, social, and tons of fun! It will be an experience you will talk about. You will surely leave with stories to tell.
