A few days ago, we returned from an incredible 5 days of Cocktail classes, parties, conferences, and mayhem at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic.  The weekend started off with a bang – a giant, over the top gala in the New York Public Library.  There were dozens of live bands, hundreds of tables of fresh cocktails and entertainment from models to clowns to photo booths.  Each sponsored room had a different theme with matching cocktails… One of the many rooms upstairs held delicious punches and cocktails and the revelers walked around with caveman sized turkey legs and mingled with jesters and clowns.  Every alcohol was represented – from the small batch tequilas to the artisan gins and the big players.  The stork club downstairs (with Zacapa, Tanquerey, Bulleit bourbon, and Don Julio) blasted wonderful live music and it’s own large party.  The venue couldn’t have been better and the party was legendary.

The weekend continued (slowly after friday night), with classes, lectures and parties that ranged from the cocktail’s of Cuba to Monk inspired cocktails and cheeses, artisanal distillery tastings and stories from behind the bars of New York…   Parties non-stop at some of the top bars in the world and cocktails from 11am everyday.

We made some friends, gave out about 500 Drink Me Buttons(!), and learned a ton (we also had a couple of drinks while we were there).

If you missed it, set your timer for next year’s event – the greatest cocktail show in the big apple.

Photography courtesy of Eric Straus (http://www.ericstraussphoto.com) and Phil Anema