Preview: 2014 Manhattan Cocktail Classic

Time to hydrate: The
Manhattan Cocktail Classic is taking over the city with a massive five-day
conference with almost 100 events spread across four boroughs and a two-day
trade meeting happening May 9 through May 13. And we’re ready to drink! We
mean, er, work. Here’s what we’re looking forward to:

The Gala, May 9, 9 pm, Only
VIP Tickets Available, $295

The Classic kicks off with a
party spanning four flours, two blocks, and more than 10 million cubic feet at
the main branch of the historic New York Public Library. The normally quiet
halls will be filled with sounds of merriment, music, dancing, eating, and
drinking. You’ll also be able to check out Taste NY, a room devoted to NYC distilleries, featuring 34 craft brewers. More than 25,000 cocktails will be served over the course of the night,
so get ready.

Muddle, Shake, and Stir with Trinchero Spirits, May 10

Try your hand behind the bar as you mix up libations with
the good folks at Trinchero National Spirit Brands, the makers of Cruz Tequila,
Tres Agaves, and Sugar Island Rum Co.

Imbibe’s Tequila Brunch at Empellon, May 11

Today, let the experts mix up the cocktails and join Imbibe
and Olmeca Altos for a tequila brunch at Empellon. Chef Alex Stupak’s delicious
Mexican dishes will be expertly paired with new and creative cocktails
featuring, what else, tequila.

Swig N’ Swine, May 11

If you’re in Brooklyn, head over to Union Pool for an
afternoon of pig, punch, dancing, music, and fun at the Swig N’ Swine. The event is part community building, part charitable fundraiser, part party. It
celebrates an annual volunteer effort by bartending professionals who have been
donating their time and money to the KIPP Charter School organization.

World’s Largest Hand-Muddled Caipirinha, May 11, 3:30 pm, $45

Join Leblon Cachaça in mixing up
the world’s largest hand muddled caipirinha! The cocktail, which will be mixed
in a soccer ball-like vessel, will honor Brazil, host of the 2014 World Cup.
While you’re muddling limes to throw in, 11 NYC bartenders will be shaking up
original cachaça cocktails using signature ingredients from each participant of
this year’s games.

Next, more Manhattan Cocktail Classic fun… [pagebreak]

Havana Night: Cocktail Tasting, May 11, 6 pm

Spend the night in Havana at The Garret in the West Village
where you can sip on rum based cocktails inspired by the Caribbean. While you
enjoy cocktails, you can listen to Cuban music and check out a gallery of Cuban
art.

Raw Brazil, May 11

If you don’t want to head to the Caribbean, head to South
America instead and check out Raw Brazil at Toro’s private dining room. The
Yaguara Cachaça Brazilian
Global Ambassador Marcio Silva will be hosting a Brazilian dinner prepared by
chef Manu Buffara meant to transport you to the lush country.

Lucha Limon, May 12, 1 pm, $25

Give back while you’re having fun at Lucha Limon, a fundraising event for the Tequila Interchange
Project. You can check out the open bar,
enter a raffle, and pick a side as bartenders enter the lime squeezing contest
(and wear Luchadore masks).

Bienvenidos a Oaxaca, May 12, 7 pm, $25

Join Palm Bay Craft Spirits and explore
Oaxacan cocktails, culture, and cuisine at The Botanic Lab. Surprise
mixologists will be on hand to mix up cocktails and share their thoughts on
Oaxaca’s motto: Para todo mal, Mezcal;
para todo bien Mezcal.

Salvation Taco’s Rooftop Tequila Party, May
13, 3 pm, $50

Check out a panel discussion
on tequila and mezcal with Ron Cooper of Del Maguey; Steve Olson, a wine
expert; David Grapshi of The Sazerac/Gemini Company; and Carmen Villarreal of
Casa San Matías/Pueblo Viejo. On hand to host and provide colorful commentary
will be head bartender Sam Anderson. And since all the cocktail talk will surely work up
an appetite, after the discussion there will be tequila cocktails and light
bites from April Bloomfield.

Time Out Supper Club at
Aldea, May 13, 6 pm, $125

Sit down for a five course
Portuguese tasting menu paired with five craft cocktails at chef George Mendes’
Michelin-starred Aldea. On the menu: warm pickled mackerel with cucumber juice and coriander; green asparagus with egg
yolk, caviar and soy; house-cured cod;
aged duck breast with red corn grits and
chanterelles; and a chocolate dessert
with hazelnut and banana.

For more info on all these
events and more and to buy tickets, click here.