This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom 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.
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.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
