New Haven’s BAR hosted a charitable bartending competition on July 10. Called Battle of the Margs, in collaboration with Campari America, Propel Beverage and Brescome Barton, the event was created to benefit the Yale Pediatric Critical Care Family Fund, part of BAR’s ongoing initiatives in connecting the industry and local community through philanthropic efforts. After a brand education session led by special guest Xavier Herit, Brand Ambassador, Grand Marnier, 15 participating bartenders from across Hartford and New Haven hot spots created their best margaritas for judges using the showcased supplier spirits: Espolòn Tequila, Grand Marnier and Fruitful Mixology. With a lively crowd consisting of beverage trade, health care professionals, friends and BAR customers, 150 people cheered on the bartenders, enjoying a live DJ and cocktails. The top three winners were: First place: Carlee Carvalko, Elm City Social; Second place: Bryce Wade, BAR; and Third place: Amanda Arwen, The Owl Shop, who won an educational evening in New York City with Campari America for a tour of its headquarters and an evening out with brand ambassadors. All bartenders earned a yacht trip along the Connecticut River with Fruitful Mixology’s brand owners.
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- New Haven’s BAR hosted a charitable bartending competition on July 10, showcasing Espolòn Tequila, Grand Marnier and Fruitful Mixology.
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- Prior to the cocktail competition, Xavier Herit, Brand Ambassador, Grand Marnier led 15 participating bartenders through an educational session.
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- Standing: Chris Altavilla, Sherkaan Indian Street Food; Carlee Carvalko, Elm City Social; Bryce Wade, BAR; Devon Palmer, Via; Bianca DeJesus, Anchor Spa; and Sean Gavaghan, Beverage Manager, BAR. Kneeling: Jose Colon, Olives and Oil.
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- Bartenders cheered each other on, as did the crowd of beverage trade, health care professionals, friends and BAR customers all to raise funds for the Yale Pediatric Critical Care Family Fund.
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- Winner Carlee Carvalko, Elm City Social creating what became the night’s competition winner.
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- Carlee Carvalko, Elm City Social showcasing her winning drink.
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- Second-place runner-up Amanda Arwen, The Owl Shop.
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- Third-place runner-up Bryce Wade, BAR. The QR codes attached to his drink showcase BAR’s special menu of cocktails to raise money for the Yale Pediatric Critical Care Family Fund.
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- Competitor Heidi Rogers, Prime On Whitfield.
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- Competitor Zach Lyons, New England Sales Manager, Fruitful Mixology.
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- Competitor Zach O’Brien, Max Fish.
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- Competitor Bianca DeJesus, Anchor Spa.
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- Competitor Jose Colon, Olives and Oil.
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- Judges were a mix of industry professionals, bartenders, brand owners and health care professionals. The event was emceed by Deon Ross from Olives and Oil.
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- Gary Dritschler, Connecticut State Manager, Campari America; Marco Pelliccio, Founder, Propel Beverage; and Sean Gavaghan, Beverage Manager, BAR.
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- Xavier Herit, Brand Ambassador, Grand Marnier and Sean Gavaghan, Beverage Manager, BAR in the DJ booth.
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- Guests at the cocktail competition after-party at BAR.
Photos by Michael Chiovitti. Photos 2, 14 and 15 courtesy of BAR.
