Brief Summary
This video covers Buffalo's first mocktail competition, highlighting the growing interest in non-alcoholic beverages. The event features bartenders from local establishments creating unique mocktails using non-alcoholic spirits. The winner, Valley Who, receives a photoshoot with Luke Hopping at their home bar and a feature on their winning mocktail.
- The competition aims to showcase exciting, non-alcoholic options available in Buffalo.
- Participants use Lyre's non-alcoholic spirits, particularly their American Malt.
- The judging combines scores from a panel of judges and audience votes.
Introduction to Buffalo's First Mocktail Competition
Lindsay from Nickel City Pretty introduces Buffalo's first mocktail competition, noting the increasing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages. She explains that mocktails are cocktails without alcohol, designed to offer an exciting beverage option for those who don't drink. While it took some time for Buffalo to catch on, many bars now offer creative and flavorful mocktails.
Sponsor and Competitors
The competition is sponsored by Lyre's, a company that produces non-alcoholic spirits. The competitors include bartenders from Hartman's, Buffalo Distilling, Marble and Rye, Mr. Sizzles, Valley Who, and Jack Rabbit. The winner will be determined by a combination of judges' and audience scores, with the prize being a photoshoot with Luke Hopping at their home bar and a feature on their winning mocktail.
Buffalo Distilling Company's Mocktail
Dale Wright from Buffalo Distilling Company presents their mocktail, named "One Foot Mock". He aims to stay true to their roots by creating a cocktail, not just a juice drink. The mocktail includes Lyre's American Malt (non-alcoholic bourbon), fresh lemon juice, locally sourced maple syrup, and Fee Brothers non-alcoholic black walnut bitters from Rochester, New York.
Mr. Sizzles' Mocktail
Casey Kassis, the owner of Mr. Sizzles, introduces their mocktail, "Not Another Juice Box." Designed to represent non-drinkers, this mocktail contains no juice. It features Lyre's American Malt and Lyre's Coffee Liqueur, along with a fig honey syrup made with local figs and honey, oolong tea, and Hair of the Dog non-alcoholic bitters (a glycerin-based bitters with zero percent alcohol).
Marble and Rye's Mocktail
Megan Lee from Marble and Rye presents their mocktail, designed to pair with Lyre's American Malt. The drink aims for an autumnal, warm spice, and bitter profile with a spicy finish. It includes a mock nochino made with locally foraged black walnuts, bitter herbs, chicory, coriander, and cinnamon. The drink also features a gardenia mix with pine nut butter, pineapple, honey, cinnamon, allspice, lime juice, and fresh ginger infused with Thai chili. The garnish is a pine cone bottom cut to resemble a flower, covered in beeswax, and a husk cherry from the owner's mother's garden.
Winner Announcement
Valley Who is announced as the winner of Buffalo's first mocktail competition. They will receive a photoshoot with Luke Hopping at their home bar and a feature on their winning mocktail.
