New Haven Cocktail Week Creates Citywide Celebration

Downtown New Haven venues participated in a weeklong showcase of spirits brands and cocktails for the annual New Haven Cocktail Week. Founded and organized by New Haven bar owners and industry professionals, including Ordinary’s Tim Cabral and Ben Zemke, The Owl Shop’s Glen Greenberg and Elm City Social’s John Brennan, the goal to “showcase area bars and restaurants” through education and walk-arounds was met with sold-out seminars and a variety of spirits-centric events for the trade and public alike. The festivities kicked off with a Spirits Ball at BAR on Sept. 18. With more than 25 bars offering specialty cocktail menus and over 30 spirits brands highlighted, visiting patrons were given the chance to learn about spirits brands, try new tastes and participate in a “passport program” culminating in a Saturday celebration at 168 York Street Cafe. Proceeds from the Spirits Ball and seminars were donated to All Our Kin, a New Haven-based organization that trains, supports and sustains community child care providers.

: New Haven Cocktail Week kicked off with a Spirits Ball at BAR on Sept. 18.

: Founders of New Haven Cocktail Week: John Brennan, Elm City Social; Glen Greenberg, The Owl Shop; Tim Cabral, Ordinary; and Ben Zemke, Ordinary at the Spirits Ball on Sept. 18.

: Veronica Sauret, Account Development Manager, Brescome Barton; Tim Cabral, Owner, Ordinary and Co-founder, New Haven Cocktail Week; and Jamie Montesi, State Manager – CT, William Grant & Sons.

: Brand Ambassador Noah Bonner showcasing Jameson Black Barrel.

: Brand Ambassadors Carmen Torres and Brittany Smith highlighting Beam Suntory brands’ Haku Vodka, Roku Gin and Knob Creek.

: Mike DePasqua, State Manager, Beam Suntory with Knob Creek Rye.

: Jessica Katz and Chris Chichester serving Jefferson’s Bourbon Whiskey.

: Richard Fiorello and Jason Kelly showcasing Heaven Hill Distillery brands.

: Jess Ramm showcasing Montelobos Espadín Mezcal.

: Jonathan Edwards, Account Development Manager, Slocum & Sons showcasing High West Whiskey.

: Allison Loh pouring Jameson Cold Brew.

: Byron Kidd, Field Sales Manager, Constellation Brands highlighting Casa Noble Blanco Tequila.

: Christen LaRochelle, Luxury Sales Manager – New England, Constellation Brands.

: The BAR team of Amber Tolboe, Sean Gavaghan and Samantha D’Ericco delighted guests by showcasing Sprits Ball cocktails made with sponsor brands and creative custom garnishes.

: La Paloma cocktail, a blend of Lunazul Blanco Tequila, grapefruit, lime and agave syrup, topped with sparking rosé.

: The Jägermeister x Black Barrel Espresso Martini: Jägermeister, Jameson Black Barrel, local espresso and cane syrup.

: The New Haven Cocktail Week Co-founders and guests enjoy the Spirits Ball.

: A tasting mat from The House of Suntory seminar at Ordinary.

: Christen LaRochelle, Luxury Sales Manager – New England, Constellation Brands leading a seminar on Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey at The Owl Shop.