Granted, you can enjoy a quality cocktail in New York any day of the week but to our minds, there’s no better time to do it than during New York Bartender Week.
Running from 18-24 November and taking place in 141 bars across New York State it’s the perfect excuse to really go to town and visit as many bars as possible.
Why? For this week only, each bar will be selling a special New York-themed cocktail featuring one of the 54 state-owned spirit brands taking part in the inaugural event. And if you like what you taste (and why wouldn’t you? These are great brands used by top bars. We’re talking the likes of Angel’s Share, Katana Kitten, Dutch Kills, Clover Club and Martiny’s, to name but a few), take advantage of the new legislation that allows said distilleries to ship directly to consumers.
The seven-day event is the brainchild of Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig (pictured above) of award-winning agency Hanna Lee Communications – it’s their way of giving back to the industry they’ve been championing for the past 20 years. But it’s not just about the bars. Or the bartenders. Hanna and Michael were adamant that New York Bartender Week should be an educational and tourism initiative too. Brian Facquet, President, New York State Distillers Guild is particularly thrilled: “New York Bartender Week is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the incredible talents of our hospitality community while showcasing the high quality and variety of the beautiful spirits being produced by New York State craft distillers across the great State of New York. Every cocktail that is sipped during the week will make a direct impact on New York agriculture, manufacturing and hopefully, drive consumers to visit the participating distillers, bars and restaurants across the state. We couldn’t be more proud of the event.”
The week kicks off in fine style with a media and drinks industry reception and press conference featuring the likes of industry stalwarts Dale ‘King Cocktail’ DeGroff, Julie Reiner and Lynnette Marrero. As well serving their own cocktail inspired by New York State, this is when plans for Worldwide Bartender Weeks launching in Kenya, India, Colombia, New Mexico, D.C. Toronto and Wisconsin in 2025 will be announced and it’s set to be quite the occasion. As will the rest of the week.
“We’re so humbled by the enthusiasm, excitement and support of the bartending and spirits community for New York Bartender Week,” says Hanna. “We’re delighted that cocktail fans will have the opportunity to visit so many different cocktail bars and salute their favourite bartenders during the week. I moved to New York City 25 years ago from Korea and New York Bartender Week is my love letter to the city and state that I’m proud to call my home.”
Michael is equally effusive: “As a born and raised New Yorker, I’m proud to see so many great organisations and people getting behind this initiative – we’re so excited for consumers to have a fully immersive experience.”
