In the Mix: Bartenders Battle it out at the Mixology Mixer

In the Mix is a column by Liz Hwang about wine, cocktails, and all things drinks-related.

Free specialty cocktails from some of the best bars and restaurants in the city? Count me in!

This past Tuesday, mixologists from Charlie was a sinner., The Victoria Freehouse, Stratus Lounge, Liberte at the Sofitel, Aldine, and IndeBlue strutted their stuff at Battle of the Bartenders Mixology Mixer, located in the Market & Shops at the Comcast Center. Inspired by cultures and flavors from all over the world, the bartenders showed off their favorite cocktails to guests, who voted on their preferred concoctions via social media with the hashtag #MixologyMixer. The event was sponsored by local gem Philadelphia Distilling, the makers of such liquors as Bluecoat Gin, Penn 1681 vodka, and Vieux Carre absinthe, among others. And now, our take:

Charlie was a sinner.: The Madness of a seduced woman

Ingredients: Bluecoat gin, fresh squeezed lemon, Grand Marnier, simple syrup, Yards Pale Ale, rose water and orange blossom

Verdict: Despite the fiery implications of its name, this cocktail was soft, sweet, complex, and downright pretty. Tart and citrus-y with floral notes from the spritz of orange blossom. Plus, I’m always impressed with successful incorporation of beer into cocktails. 4/5 

IndeBlue: IndeBluetini

Ingredients: Penn 1681 vodka, mango puree, cardamom simple syrup, lemon juice, garnish with cardamom seeds.

Verdict: Syrupy-sweet mango juice is delicious, but has the unfortunate effect of masking almost every flavor it touches. That said, the light hint of cardamom was pleasant, if faint, and the drink was tasty, if less interesting than hoped for. Would sip with a samosa. 3/5

Liberte: French Quarter Coffee

Ingredients: Gin, premium french press coffee, Vieux Carre absinthe rinse, Pernod whipped cream, coffee ground garnish.

Verdict: Disclaimer – I don’t like licorice or coffee. However, despite my apprehension at the ingredient list (gin + coffee???), this drink was remarkably balanced, and delicious. The anise flavor of the absinthe melded surprisingly well with the coffee flavors, and the whipped cream softened the bitter flavors of both drinks. Color me impressed. 4.5/5

The Victoria Freehouse: Double G&T

Ingredients: Bluecoat gin, ginger simple syrup, lime juice, mint, thyme, and tonic.

Verdict: Basically just a well-done gin and tonic. The extra herbs seemed to have potential but unfortunately, gin is already so herbal that it masked their flavors unless you actually ate them. 3/5

Aldine: no name

Ingredients: Bluecoat gin, cucumber, lime, mint

Verdict: Despite its simple recipe list, this was far and away my favorite cocktail of the night. With house-made whole cucumber puree (skins included) playing a central role, this drink was a refreshing, just sweet enough, unexpectedly complex, and beautiful to boot with its brilliant green color. 5/5

Stratus: Cucumber Fizz

Ingredients: Bluecoat gin, lime juice, St. Germaine, soda water, mint sprig.

Verdict: While cucumber and St. Germaine (an elderflower liqueur with a delightful floral fragrance) are both delicious, this drink fell flat, with few flavors present besides the soda water. 2/5

-Elizabeth Hwang