New York Hendrick's Gin Bartenders Croquet Tournament

Damon Dyer (creator of the Este Gabacho) of Flatiron Lounge takes in the sights.

Tuesday was the annual Hendrick's Croquet Tournament, with bartenders from pretty much every significant bar in New York and some from beyond competing. As with all Hendrick's events, costumes and period gear was de rigeur. A lawn on the 3rd floor of a building near Wall Street was the setting; the drinks were summery Hendricks' punches. As the afternoon wore on the competition grew fierce, and spirits were high.

Hendrick's events always have a wonderful alternate reality quality,  like you've entered a slightly more fun version of the turn of the century. Several great drinks were poured, but the crowd favorite seemed to be the Tipsy Parson, with rhubarb

TIPSY PARSON

1 oz. Hendrick's gin

1 oz. Pimm's

1 oz. strawberry rhubarb compote

4 mint leaves

In a mixing glass combine and shake all ingredients. Ice, shake and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a mint leave and a cucumber spear.

To make compote clean and half 80 strawberries and chop up 6 rhubard stalks. Throw everything in a big pot and ad 30 oz. fresh orange juice. Heat on medium until the fruit starts to break down into a mush; add 2 cups turbanado sugar. Stir well and heat for another hour, reducing the liquid. Chill and puree well, keep chilled.
Above: Lovely hostess Charlotte Voisey of William Grant & Sons.
Torn Between Two Brand Ambassadors: Eryn Reese of  Louis 649 (and inventor of the Healing Serum) flanked by Jim Ryan of Hendrick's (his videos for Embury here) and Dan Warner of Beefeater (his video here, another one coming 5/25.)

More after the jump....

Mark Buettler of Dressler and The Perfect Louis played with Erin; their team was called Those Kids. They didn't last very long, but the upside to losing early was that you could sip without interruption.

Some inspired costumes. Chad Mumm filming for Embury; look for a video of the event here next week.

Below, Gary Regan, who is quite possibly the coolest guy in the world, dancing with The Statue Of Liberty.

 

 

The Trophy. Those are cucumber spears among the roses. Great trophy, but the prize of a trip for two to San Francisco for a Hendrick's event in September was even more exciting. Tomorrow: the winning team, more recipes, and tales of the rowdy ride in a yellow school bus to Flatiron Lounge.

Comments

[Croquet Tournament]

Hi,

I was at this event, it was so much fun!!