above: (left) Bartenders from Tequila Escape shook things up all night long. (middle) Best Bartender judges contributing writer Elizabeth Keyser and Insta-foodie David Milton; (right) Spirits were high at the 12th annual Best Bartender contest.
On July 16, the 12th annual Stamford Best Bartender contest drew a sold-out crowd of city-sippers to Harbor Point, where the scorching summer heat was tempered by refreshing drinks and an even cooler atmosphere. The town’s top bartenders showed off their mixology prowess, competing for the coveted title of Stamford’s Best Bartender. We added a second category this year: Best Sip & Snack for food and drink pairings. And as always, we crowned a People’s Choice and a Judge’s Choice winner in each category.
ELIZABETH KEYSER, our seasoned food and drink contributor, and DAVID MILTON, known as ‘DAM’ from @TheDamGram, judged this year’s competition. “Events like this bring everyone out. Stamford’s sophisticated clientele really appreciates good food and drinks,” Keyser says.
Milton agrees and notes the spirits teams were up to the task of meeting (and succeeding) expectations. “I spend so much of my time seeing every inch of the state, and events like this really showcase the amazing talent we have. Fairfield County really holds its own,” says Milton.
Competition was as stiff as a perfectly shaken martini. The judge’s pick for Best Bartender went to the team at bartaco and Best Sip & Snack was awarded to Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar. The folks from Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse dazzled the crowd winning People’s Choice Best Bartender, while Brasitas triumphed as People’s Choice Best Sip & Snack.
Cheers!
BEST SHOTS
Pour one out for ALL THE WINNERS
JUDGE’S PICK for BEST BARTENDER
Winner // bartaco
Bartenders // Jennifer Lima at the event and Agustin “Yogi” Cristerna at HQ
Drink // Green Margarita
Ingredients //
1.5 oz. Libélula joven Tequila
2 oz. Green juice from pineapple, mango and spinach
.5 oz. Agave
.5 oz. Combier
1 oz. Lime juice
Half lime (for garnish)
Tajín (for rim)
“bartaco is a community-first restaurant—we are always looking for ways to give back and celebrate our local businesses and neighbors. When we heard about this opportunity to gather all the best bartenders from Stamford together, we were incredibly excited. It’s a great way to showcase local talent and celebrate Stamford’s bartending skills. It’s also a great opportunity for us to promote collaboration and encourage local bartenders to get to know one another. This city has so much to offer in terms of great bartending talent and great places to dine out and grab a cocktail. We had a blast and can’t wait for next year’s event!”
-General manager
David Laforest
JUDGE’S PICK for BEST SIP & SNACK
Winner // Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar
Sip // Suika Blossom Cocktail
Snack // Seared Beef Tostada
Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar impressed the judges with their Suika Blossom cocktail, a spirited mix featuring yuzu-infused vodka and spiced gin, paired with a seared beef tostada with pickled watermelon and avocado mousse. The delectable duo also had a charitable element in support of the Vietnamese Farmers Project. Experience the winning flavors (and contribute to a good cause) for yourself by making a reservation at Prime today.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
BEST BARTENDER
Winner // Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
Bartenders // Alceu Pressi, Bryan Itaborahi and Domingo Ramos
Drink(s) // Watermelon Spicy Margarita and The Patricio
Watermelon Spicy Margarita
1.5 oz Tante Jalapeño Tequila
0.25 oz Watermelon Syrup
0.25 oz Triple Sec
0.75 oz Lime Juice
Tajin (for rim)
The Patricio
1 Tablespoon of sugar
1/2 Lime
1/2 Kiwi
Muddle the lime, kiwi and sugar
2oz Cachaça
Shake well and serve in a wine glass topped with soda
“We created a summer cocktail menu and searched for fresh ingredients that represented the season. After experimenting with various fruits and herbs, we discovered that the unique combination of watermelon and jalapeño was a winner. Inspired by this blend, we crafted a refreshing cocktail using jalapeño-infused tequila and watermelon purée, topped with a Tajín rim. It quickly became our number one summer seller. The Patricio, inspired by St. Patrick’s Day with a Brazilian twist, was designed to capture the green theme and offer a cocktail guests could enjoy all day. Its success led us to keep it on the menu.”
-Partner/Manager
Alceu Pressi
BEST SIP & SNACK
Winner // Brasitas
Sip // Red Sangria
Snack // Mango Seabass Cevich
In a summer dominated by every variation of a spritz, Brasitas threw it back with a classic—their famous red sangria. The refreshing drink was perfectly paired with a seafood delight, mango seabass ceviche served with chorizo yucca chimichurri. The delightful combo is an explosion of flavors that handily won over the crowd. To experience it for yourself, visit the restaurant on East Main Street.
Let the Good Times Pour
It was a see-and-be-seen scene at this year’s Best Bartender contest. Our shakers and stirrers brought their A-game, while the crowd raised the bar on fun all evening long. These party pics capture the truly intoxicating spirit of the night.
