“86’d: Battle of the Bartenders” New Last-Bartender-Standing Event to Crown MKE’s #1 Mixologist

Battle of the Bartenders

MILWAUKEE- (January 25, 2019) You’ve been “86’d.” Cut. Elimated. Sent home. Those are the words that Milwaukee’s top bartenders hope to not hear February 25 as Central Standard Craft Distillery hosts the inaugural “86’d: Battle of the Bartenders*” at the Marcus Centers Vogal Theater (929 N. Water St.) at 7 p.m.

“Anyone can make a great cocktail with a full bar and a week to plan,” said Central Standard co-founder Evan Hughes. “Let’s see how folks do with a ticking clock, four mandatory, mystery ingredients and a panel of Milwaukee’s best drinkers judging them.”

Welcome to “86’d.” This must-attend industry-night event will celebrate the best of Brew City’s bartenders and name Milwaukee’s first-ever “86’d” Champion, who will win $1,000 in cash and a full suite of Bar Fly bar tools from Boelter SuperStore.

“Hosting ‘86’d’ is our small way of saying ‘thank you’ to all those who make Milwaukee the best cocktail-drinking city in the country,” added Central Standard co-founder Pat McQuillan. “We’re fired up about hosting this new event and hope all of Milwaukee comes out to cheer on their favorite bartenders.”

Reduced-Price “Happy Hour” Tix Available Now

A limited-number of early-bird, $15 tickets for “86’d” are on sale today, Jan 25th via Eventbrite. Any remaining “86’d” ticket will go up to $20 on Jan. 26 and will be $25 at the door.  A $3 facilities charge will be applied to each ticker.

With their ticket, attendees will receive a pre-competition cocktail, as well as a “make-your-own” take-home Central Standard Craft Distillery Bloody Mary kit to nurse the highly probable, morning-following hangover.

The inaugural “86’d: Battle of the Bartenders” competition will be decided by three-consecutive, rounds of cocktail creating. To start each round, the competitors will be given four mystery ingredients. In a pressure-packed timeframe of only a few minutes, each bartender will attempt to create a memorable cocktail using the mystery ingredients, as well as items from a fully stocked backbar.

After time expires, a panel of judges will critique the drinks based on presentation, taste and creativity. Each round, one mixologist will be “86’d” – eliminating him or her from the competition with no winnings.

The bartender left standing after three rounds will be crowned Milwaukee’s No. 1, Most-Creative Mixologist ands receive the prize package.

Think You’re “86’d” Worthy? 

We’re searching for Milwaukee’s top four mixologists. Up for the “86’d” challenge? Entry to compete in “86’d” is easy: Simply send an email to 86d@thecentralstandard.com sharing your best cocktail recipe and why you think you’ll win.  The four selected competitors will be announced Feb. 13.

* You must 21-years of age or older (and fun) to attend “86’d: Battle of the Bartenders.” Please drink responsibly and live large.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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