Wednesday night I attended the 2nd Annual All Star Mixology Competition at the beautiful Skybar at Mondrian in West Hollywood. The event raises funds and awareness for Covenant House California, a foundation dedicated to helping homeless and at risk youth.
The competition itself is a great way to get people involved by giving them something that is loved by all: awesome drinks surrounded by pretty people and cool things. No one is prettier or cooler than the night’s emcees Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark who know a thing or two about mixing cocktails being mixologists themselves and hosting their own BFF comedy cooking show, “Tripping Out with Alie and Georgia.”
The second time hosts gave me their advice on what makes for a good cocktail saying, “It’s a matter of balance, finding a cocktail that’s not too sweet, not too bitter, we look for a great balance of really tasting the spirit but also getting some nuances of creative flavors.” The duo also named a Negroni and Penicillin as their all time favorite cocktails.
Celebrity guest judges Heather McDonald and Jeremy Sisto were also on hand to talk about their support for the admirable cause and love for a good old fashioned cocktail. I don’t know whose brilliant idea it was to have the judges drink a bunch before walking the red carpet but it made for some very lively conversation as both were very vocal about their tipsy state. When asked what she’s looking for as a judge, McDonald replied, “Something I’ve never tasted before, something that’s really flavorful and would make me want a second.” Jeremy Sisto’s judging system involved rating as fast as he could while he was still able to make coherent decisions. When asked what he likes to drink on his nights out, he was pretty generous in his response saying, “Vodka’s good when you want to be happy, whiskey’s good when you want to be a little brooding and beer is always pretty safe.” I think Jeremy Sisto is my new best friend.
Upon arrival I couldn’t help but applaud the stunning location. Skybar looks like an exquisitely fancy tree house decked out with astro turf, 5-foot potted plants housing twinkling trees and one of the best views of LA that I’ve ever seen and don’t even get me started on their majestic pool. Guests mingled to an impressive backdrop of hors d’oeuvres and modest house music whilst bidding on a very well stocked auction table, which included an original Superman canvas signed by Stan Lee as well as a gift basket containing all of the super swanky liquors used in the competition.
Each mixologist was busily concocting away at their respective tables as attendees were treated to their innovative cocktails in the hopes of winning votes for crowd favorite. There were ten cocktails available but in order to remember my experience I was begrudgingly selective. Some highlights I found interesting and delicious were the Grand Paradis Harvest, a genius level cocktail that used cognac infused vodka and applewood smoked bourbon. It seriously tasted like a crackling fire in a wood cabin on a starry ass night.
Aphrodite’s Intrigue also peaked my interest. It’s made with Be Tini, a very cleverly named low calorie alcohol that comes in four flavors. My tini was made with orange cream bitters and Greek yogurt. It tasted like a creamsicle and made all my dreams come true because I felt like I was basically drinking for my health. Be Tini was also donating $1 to Covenant House for every like they received on Facebook so that made me like them even more!
Though technically first prize went to Kristina Howald, whose Russian cocktail made with No. 209 Gin, strawberries and fresh cardamom took top honors, it was really a win for Covenant House who will be able to continue helping and supporting kids in need.
For more info on how to support Covenant House California, visit their website www.covenanthousecalifornia.org
Skybar Photo Courtesy Mondrian in West Hollywood
