With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photo Essay: Who Makes the Best Drinks in Town? Local Mixologists Compete
Who says there are no good female mixologists in Los Angeles? Because there were plenty of them at the Gran Centenario Rosangel launch party and competition last night at Silver Lake's Malo. In the Mexican restaurant's gorgeous new upstairs space, cocktail enthusiasts and industry-folk gathered to partake of the delicious free food as well as the complimentary creative cocktails concocted by L.A.'s finest women mixologists, i.e. Natalie Bovis-Nelsen of The Liquid Muse and Liquid Chef Kim Haasarud to name a few. This was all to launch the newish hibiscus-infused tequila, Gran Centenario Rosangel.
And if guests were still thirsty, there was a cocktail competition where enthusiasts and pros alike competed for the judges' favor as well as the people's choice. Marcos Tello of The Edison even got in the spirit of the night by dressing in drag, a fringy little number to be specific.
Although revelers crowded around the main bar area to get to the featured bartender which changed every hour, there was also a dj in an adjacent room to inspire impromptu robot danceoffs and a food room where hungry guests made like greedy goldfish and lunged after freshly put down dishes of tortas and tacos.
Malo's new upstairs space holds about 150 but the evening's strict guest list had about 200 on it. Fortunately, folks came and went so it never got too out of hand. On a side note, if you hadn't already heard, Malo plans to open a downtown location next year on 7th Street near Grand Avenue.
Support for LAist comes from
By the end of the night, the winners of the contest were announced. Judges' choice was Matty Eggleston of The Hungry Cat and The Varnish for his comforting cocktail of Nutella, steamed milk and Rosangel Tequila. It was appropriately called Lullaby.
People's Choice winner was Silamith Weir, cocktail enthusiast and LA brand ambassador for Martin Miller's Gin. Her Casa Blanco cocktail was a crowd favorite for its exotic mix of sweetened condensed milk, rum, pineapple chunks, basil leaves, simple syrup and the Rosangel tequila.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist