Mixxit News
5 August 2011

From Persia to Ponies

In an unprecedented look at the Mint Julep, the Mixxit team Jason Crawley, Jared Plummer and Dylan Howarth presented Mixxit’s own interpretation of the American classic. In their seminar 'From Persia to Ponies' our humble team took eager listeners on a unique journey from Gulab to Julep.


In July, New Orleans was home to the 9th annual Tales of the Cocktail. Over 20,000 passionate industry folk gathered to celebrate, learn, taste and be a part of this global event. Tales is made up of a series of events, educational seminars, tastings, demonstrations and competitions. All this comes to a head at the Spirited Awards Ceremony where bars, brands and individuals are recognised for their efforts.


Persia to Ponies explored the often phrased “Julep derives from the Persian word Gulab – which translates to rose water”. The three pulled that sentence apart in an intriguing look into where roses and alcohol sat side by side influencing medicine, make-up, war and culture.  From 50,000BC it was brought through to the 17th century America where it looked at American culture and trotted down the dusty path to the modern day.  Howarth’s link from Quarter horses to modern drag racing was real highlight.


They presented to a sold-out auditorium and eye witnesses say the standing ovation they received was unprecedented at Tales.
There are rumours that the Mixxit team may present this outstanding seminar in Australia. Watch this space.

Sam Ross takes the title at Tales

Congratulations! Sam Ross wins American Bartender of the Year in New Orleans

In 2002 I watched a young Aussie bartender compete against Marco Faraone for Australian Bartender of the Year. He made a drink well ahead of it's time.

While he didn't win that year, it seems he has spent the last 9 years wisely. The little brother of (our favourite person in the world) Alex Ross is now filling up the gentleman brimmers at Milk and Honey & Lillte Branch New York.

$1.2m Raised for the Koala Foundation

Maker's Mark joined Coca-Cola and several other corporate sponsors this month to support the 2011 Million Dollar Lunch.

Hosted by Eddie McGuire, guests enjoyed an outstanding four course lunch. Some of Australia's leading chefs served a course each. The crowd favourite was Guillaume Brahimi's braised beef main course. Held at Crown Casino everything was donated for this event from the food to the booze, and very good booze at that. 

Maker's Mark sponsored the after party and our own Ollie Stuart and Brendon Rogers served a White Samuels Sangia and Spanish Juleps to an cheerful crowd on a sunny Melbourne afternoon.

All proceeds went to the Koala Foundation to help kids with cancer

Bernie Lubbers launches blog and book

As our own Jared Plummer put it "he taught me everything I know about Bourbon". Bernie Lubbers is the Whiskey Professor from Jim Beam Distillery and this month he's released his much awaited book - 'Bourbon Whiskey, our native spirit.'

After a 20 year career on the American comedy circuit he was discovered by Fred Noe. Bernie's passion for Bourbon, comedy, music and life in Kentucky is captured in this must read book. 

In conjunction with the book, he has launched a blog. Click on the link below for an outstanding read.

Bourbon Whiskey, our native spirit

This Months Pic's

Site

You may not have noticed but Class Magazine has gone digital. Great news for us antipodeans who used to have save our tips for a week and wait a month for a copy. Created by Simon Difford, it is essential industry reading.

Class online

App

Whisky Cast

This is the most comprehensive free whisky app I've ever come across! Packed with over 300 podcast episodes, ratings, tasting notes and a global whisky events calendar. This app makes public transport look like a good idea.

Get it here free

Book

We're looking at two books this month. Curiously from the same Hotel but published 71 years apart. Can you guess where?

Frank Meier published the Artistrty of Mixing Drinks while at the Ritz Paris in 1934. And current custodian, Collin Peter Field, The Cocktails of the Ritz Paris in 2005. Click the links below to buy them with free postage from the Book Depository

Artistry of Mixing Drinks

The Cocktails of the Ritz Paris

Congratulations Eau de Vie

In an outstanding efffort the team from Sydney's Eau de Vie has taken out Best New Cocktail Bar in the World at Tales this year.

Well done ladies and gents!

Bar in focus

Dive Bar

Over the years many, many bars have decided they wanted to draw an industry crowd and few have nailed it. Until now. Dive Bar, around the side of Kings Cross Hotel really 'gets it'. With it's outrageous interior and dark, late night attitude it's a welcome addition the the sydney bar-scape. If you're drinking Manhattans, ask for Paige.

Mixxit.com.au