On Tuesday, June 15, the New Amsterdam Gin “Next GINeration Cocktail Challenge” hit the road to Chicago. Hosted by Master Mixologist Alex Ott at popular Chicago bar, Old Town Social, guests included some of Chicago’s top cocktail and spirit bloggers who were challenged with the task of creating their best New Amsterdam Gin cocktail that embodies the spirit of Chicago’s cocktail culture.
As guests arrived, they were treated to two of Alex Ott’s Chicago-inspired New Amsterdam Gin cocktails—The Windy City and The Loop, as well as a variety of hors d’ouevres to complement the flavors of each cocktail. New Amsterdam Brand Manager, Justin Lew and Alex Ott welcomed the bloggers with an introduction to the brand, a quick Cocktail 101 lesson and a formal tasting of the gin.
For the challenge, each participant was assigned a “bar essentials” prep station with all the tools needed to prepare the perfect cocktail including branded shakers, muddlers, cutting boards, etc. An ingredients station was also set up allowing them to select from a variety of Chicago-inspired ingredients to use for their cocktail recipes. The bloggers had been given hints about the challenge during the weeks leading up to the event via a special “Next GINeration Chicago” Twitter page and came ready with their original cocktail recipes in mind.
The excitement built as the participants were given just 10 minutes to create their cocktails. From Stanley Cup inspired libations to low calorie Chicagoland sippers, the participants delivered a variety of delicious and unique creations. Each presented their cocktail to the judges, and were evaluated on three criteria: Taste, Presentation and Creativity. After much deliberation, the judges selected Jennifer Contraveos of The Crafted Cocktail for her “North Shore Sour” cocktail. Contraveos was presented with a special Next GINeration award plaque and will have her winning cocktail featured on the New Amsterdam Gin Facebook page. In addition, the winner will be treated to a private catered cocktail party for 10 guests at her home sponsored by New Amsterdam Gin.
On Wednesday, June 23, the Sam Adams team launched the Boston Lager Cut, an all-new cut of beef designed to be the perfect pairing for Sam Adams’ flagship beer, Boston Lager. The Sam Adams brewers partnered with artisanal meat producer Jake Dickson to develop the cut, and Jake invited the media to his Chelsea Market shop along with Sam Adams brewer Grant Wood to kick it off. The two instructed everyone on the cut selection, pairing and preparation in anticipation of summer grilling and fall entertaining coverage in the coming months.
