Event Recap: "Show Me the Proof!" at Rayuela [Gallery]
A dozen of the best bartenders in the business assembled at Rayuela Tuesday night, on hand at the LES restaurant to compete in the first ever "Show Me the Proof!" High Proof Cognac Cocktail Competition. Representing bars like Death and Co., Employees Only and Macao Trading Co., contestants poured an eclectic (and highly intoxicating) mix of cocktails using Louis Royer ‘Force 53’ VSOP Cognac. The judging panel – which included "King Cocktail" Dale DeGroff, fifth-generation Royer family member Jérôme Royer and TV host Carrie Keagan, among others – awarded top honors to Gold Bar's Tim Cooper. Cooper's "Bouquet" cocktail (recipe below) won him a week-long trip to France where he and a guest will spend two nights in Paris and visit the Louis Royer Cognac cellars. Franky Marshall of Monkey Bar/The Tippler and Lynnette Marrero of Astor Room earned second and third places respectively, each taking home a $1,000 cash prize. Amplifying the night were bites by Rayuela, which were a highly appreciated accompaniment to the Cognac laden menu.
Tim Cooper's Bouquet
1 1/2 oz. Louis Royer “Force 53” VSOP Cognac
1 oz. Lustau Oloroso Sherry
1/2 oz. Velvet Falernum
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
Barspoon of Grade “B” Maple Syrup
Place all ingredients in a mixing glass and shake with ice. Strain into a double rocks glass over a large piece of ice. Garnish with 3 thin slices of pear.
Images courtesy Belathee Photography
