Let’s bee honest, the month of October has so much to offer. From Halloween to seeing the fall foliage, there is something for everyone to enjoy — but one event that should not be missed is Oktoberfest. No one celebrates the month better than Barenjager with their 5th Annual National Bartender Competition.
Inside Flatiron Hall visitors left the streets of Manhattan and felt like they entered a pub in Germany. With the music of The Autobahnanza Polka Band playing throughout the restaurant, people enjoyed Bavarian Pretzels and dressed in Lederhosen while seeing six of the country’s best bartenders mix up their special Barenjager cocktail. Known as the world’s first honey liqueur, Barenjager was created during the 15th century as a way to lure and trap bears in Prussian forest. It was altered in 18th century and has been known as the honey liqueur that is enjoyed today. Throughout the night people were able to step in a photo booth and to strike a pose with the famous bear mascot.
Creating some enticing cocktails, the competition came from all over the country including Florida, Colorado and Oklahoma. The taste of the cocktails were unique and all had a twist to the iconic liquor, like James Moore’s Hair of the Bear, which included Barenjager, Granny Smith Apple and Clove infused rye with a smoke foam on top. The drink was not too sweet or too strong and was a great mix that pleased the palate.
As the judges panel of industry experts decided what cocktail and bartender was worthy of the title, guests were able to vote for an audience favorite. Taking home the crown for best bartender was Megan Bardoe from Miami with her Black Gold mixture. Her prize includes an all-expense paid trip for two to Berlin and $1,000 for her delicious concoction. Michael Powers from Tulsa, Oklahoma was selected as the audience favorite and was awarded $1,000 for his Sorcerer mixture.
From the food to the music and, of course, the drinks, it was hard not to feel a little German for the night. Maybe it was the honey from Barenjager, but as people left Flatiron Hall the night and Manhattan seemed a little sweeter.
Black Gold by Megan Bardoe
1 part Barenjager Honey Liqueur
2 parts Michter’s Rye Whiskey
.25 parts Suze Saveur d’autrefois
3 dashes Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters
Garnish with a Filthy Food Black Cherry
In a mixing glass, add all ingredients except the cherry garnish with ice and stire. Strain into chilled coupe. Garnish one Filthy Food Black Cherry in bottom of the glass.
Sorcerer by Michael Powers
.75 parts Barenjager Honey Liqueur
1.5 parts Johnny Walker Black
.75 parts Aperol
.75 parts Sour
4 dashes of Dashfire Vintage Orange No. 1 Bitters
Garnish with lime horse neck peel
Shake and double strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass. Finish with an expressed lime horse neck peel.
Twisted Talk: What do you like to mix with Barenjager? Will you try these winning recipes? How are you celebrating Oktoberfest this year? Discuss below!
