punch tastings

Event Recap: The 8th Annual Holiday Spirits Bazaar!

Photo by Stephanie Mei-Ling.

Photo by Stephanie Mei-Ling.

New Yorkers kicked off the holiday season with festive holiday punches and cocktails on November 18 at Astor Center

Guests were treated to endless ladles of spiced punch and whimsical wintry ballerinas amid a cozy rustic scene at The Dizzy Fizz's 8th Annual Holiday Spirits Bazaar. The sold-out event featured 25+ holiday punches and cocktails made by some of NYC's best bartenders. In advance of the busy season of entertaining, guests were inspired by concoctions such as the Rum and Raisin (Diplomatico Rum, fig preserve, lemon juice, and agave nectar), Chronic Munrosis No. 3 (served warm with Hendrick's Gin, apple juice, Mandarin juice, Rooibos tea, hibiscus syrup, and lemon juice), and the Spiced Old Fashioned (Westward American Single Malt, spiced demerara sugar, and orange oil). All of the recipes from the event can be found at holidayspiritsbazaar.com/recipes.

As guests sipped their way through the holiday libations, they used text-to-vote technology to select a People's Choice winner. Eric Ribeiro's Northern Spice Cider featuring Crown Royal (recipe below) took home the trophy and the ultimate bragging rights.

Masked ballerinas from Shien Artists delighted the crowd throughout the evening, while DJ Tomas Delos Reyes kept the vibe upbeat. VIP guests enjoyed an early oyster hour featuring Bluepoint Oysters catered by Eddie's Oysters, and all guests enjoyed an array of cheese and charcuterie from Stinky Brooklyn. The merry-making took place between two themed rooms—a Fireplace Tavern and a Sparkling Spirited Parlor.

As is tradition every year, a portion of ticket proceeds benefits Children’s Aid Society, a non-profit supporting some of NYC’s neediest children.

Exhibitors included: Westward Whiskey, Casa Magdalena Rum, Krogstad Aquavit, Four Roses Bourbon, Rhum Clement, Hendrick’s Gin, Reyka Vodka, Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky, Crown Royal, Don Papa Rum, Malfy Gin, Diplomatico Rum, Amaro Lucano, Monkey Shoulder Whisky, Drambuie, Chairman’s Reserve Rum, Poland Select Wodka, Montanaro, Spytail Rum, Black Button Apple Pie Moonshine, and non-alcoholic drinks by Curious Elixirs.


People's Choice Winner:

Photo by Stephanie Mei-Ling.

Photo by Stephanie Mei-Ling.

Northern Spice Cider
Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye  
Union Mezcal  
Chai ginger cordial
Lemon juice
Pom Wonderful
Apple cider

wintry_ballerinas.jpg

A special thanks to my husband, Damien Good, event assistant Dani Shanberg and team, and digital partners Pulsd and Google.

The Holiday Spirits Bazaar is Coming to the Bowery Hotel!

HSB_Final_2014-04 Kick off the season of entertaining with some of the best spirits around at the 6th Annual Holiday Spirits Bazaar on Thursday, November 19 at the Bowery Hotel. Sip your way through an unlimited array of holiday cocktails and punches made by some of NYC’s best bartenders, each competing for the top title in a friendly Punch-Off. A judging panel will choose the Best Bowl, and the crowd will help pick a People’s Choice winner for additional bragging rights.

Hosted by The Dizzy Fizz, this year the event takes over Manhattan's elegant Bowery Hotel ballroom -- creating room for more merry-making than ever before.

General admission is from 7 to 10 p.m., and tickets are $65. Ticket-holders can enjoy unlimited libations as well as well as small bites from local purveyors, including pulled pork sliders and coleslaw from Mable’s Smokehouse. VIP hour is from 6 to 7 p.m., giving guests an extra hour of imbibing before the crowds arrive, plus access to an oyster bar featuring Bluepoint Oysters and Mable’s carved beef brisket. For tickets, please visit holidayspiritsbazaar.com.

New this year, the Holiday Spirits Bazaar will feature a mini pop-up cocktail book fair. The best spirits writers around will sign and sell copies of their newest releases, adding to the festive spirit of the event while continuing the theme of encouraging guests to entertain at home. Authors include: Heather Greene, Kara Newman, Clay Risen, Noah Rothbaum, and Robert Simonson.

A silent art auction will benefit Mana Fest, which provides public arts programming to underserved communities, and a portion of ticket proceeds benefits Children’s Aid Society, a non-profit supporting some of NYC’s neediest children. Guests are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots or non-perishable food items for Food Bank NYC. Atmospheric beats will be provided by DJ Tomas Delos Reyes to keep the party going all night long.

Exhibitors include: Bulleit Bourbon, Partida Tequila, Don Q Rum, Grand Marnier, Reyka Vodka, Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur, Four Roses Bourbon, Rum Diplomatico, Sheep Dip Blended Malt, G’Vine Gin, Drambuie Liqueur, Black Bottle Scotch, Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky, Brugal Rum, Highland Park Single Malt, Montelobos Mezcal, Pig’s Nose Scotch Whisky, Half Moon Orchard Gin, Hudson Whiskey, George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, The Feathery Blended Malt, Indigenous Vodka, Amaro Lucano, Edinburgh Gin, Bains Single Grain Whiskey, Brooklyn Gin, Wondermint Schnapps, Kringle Cream Liqueur, and more!

Don’t miss your chance to join one of New York’s most spirited celebrations!

“For New York’s cocktail elite and casual imbibers alike” --Societe Perrier

Must be 21-plus to attend. Please drink responsibly.