Be a fan at Boulder’s Best Mixologist contest

While I cannot call myself an expert on cocktails or mixology, I am a fan.

American’s newfound—or, really, re-found—love of the classic cocktail and artisan spirits is a gift for the consumer, and we must take advantage of it while it’s hot. When quality is king, we win. And these days, you don’t have to look far to find a good cocktail list or a skilled mixologist.

Or if you are lucky, you can find them all in one place. Boulder’s Best Mixologist competition will pit master against master for a battle of the barkeeps. The event takes place on March 11 at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door.

Yes, attendees will taste and judge the cocktails that are served…by mixologists representing Aji, Hapa Sushi, The Kitchen, OAK at Fourteenth, The Pinyon, Riff’s, SALT and the West End Tavern.

“In a town known for creativity and innovation, a mixologist competition showcasing the talent that can be found throughout the downtown district is a perfect complement to the phenomenal dining scene that has exploded here over the past few years,” said Randi Curtis, the event’s founder.

Last year’s winner, Rachel Ellenberger, a former mixologist at OAK at Fourteenth, won with a cocktail using 303 Vodka’s Chili Basil Infused vodka, ginger simple syrup, mango juice, citrus and garnished with candied mint leaves.

The event is sponsored by 303 Vodka. More information at BouldersBestMixologist.com.

Photo by Joe Hodgson.