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Get ready for an exhilarating journey as the 2024 Smoke & Barrel (S&B) season kicks off with the Cocktail Royale Cocktail Competition.
The event began last month and will continue through mid-November. Over those six weeks, mixologists from each participating establishment will craft their finest bourbon cocktails featuring Jefferson’s Small Batch bourbon, all leading up to the grand finale cocktail party on November 14 at LeBocage Stables.
Join S&B as each venue presents their standout creation to both the attendees and a panel of judges vying for the Critics’ Choice award. This thrilling competition is the perfect prelude to S&B’s Grand Tasting Event November 15.
Crying Eagle Brewing Company
Kate Mouhot, Beverage Manager
Under the Mistletoe
Mouhot is the creative force behind some of the most exciting drinks being served in the taproom. The Crying Eagle menu includes both craft beers and expertly crafted cocktails. One of Kate’s standout creations is the Under the Mistletoe—a festive cocktail featuring brown sugar-infused Jefferson’s bourbon, Disaronno liqueur, and dry curaçao, balanced with rosemary simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and cranberry juice. This drink perfectly marries sweet, citrusy, and herbal flavors, making it a must-try for any holiday celebration.
Calla
Brandon Ashford, the creative mind behind Calla’s cocktail program
Pimento Mori
Ashford is back in the spotlight during this year’s Cocktail Royale contest. Known for his innovative approach and flavor-forward creations, Brandon took home the People’s Choice Award last year, and he’s ready to impress once again with his latest concoction, Pimento Mori. This complex cocktail features Jefferson’s Small Batch bourbon, Pimento dram, Amontillado sherry, Angostura bitters, and a tangy pineapple shrub, balanced with lime, toasted almond orgeat, and a touch of saline.
121 Artisan Bistro
Justin Fontenot, mixologist
Bourbon in Bloom
Fontenot is making waves in this year’s Cocktail Royale contest with his creation, Bourbon in Bloom. This refined cocktail features brown butter-infused Jefferson’s bourbon, complemented by St. Germain, maple syrup, fresh lime, black walnut bitters, and a fragrant touch of sage. The result is a drink that balances warm, rich flavors with a subtle, aromatic freshness.
1910
Jason Davis, mixologist
Pre-Shift
Davis brings bold and creative flavors to this year’s Cocktail Royale contest with his inventive cocktail, Pre-Shift. Featuring coffee-infused Jefferson’s Small Batch bourbon, caramel chocolate bitters, and a decadent pecan coffee creamer, this drink offers a rich, energizing twist on classic bourbon cocktails, perfect for those seeking something unique.
Luna (Downtown and South)
Blair Derouen, mixologist
Luna Nectar
Derouen’s Luna Nectar cocktail embodies the lively, creative spirit that defines LUNA’s unique appeal. This refreshing cocktail features Jefferson’s Small Batch bourbon, Monin Peach Syrup, Martine Honeysuckle Liqueur, honey simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Area 337
Abby Robinson, mixologist
Bourbon Mule
Robinson’s Bourbon Mule perfectly complements Area 337’s menu, delivering a cocktail that reflects the restaurant’s commitment to bold, flavorful creations. Featuring Jefferson’s Small Batch bourbon, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, ginger shrub, and topped with ginger beer, this cocktail offers a vibrant fusion of spice and zest, embodying the adventurous flavors Area 337 is known for.
The Taproom
Jace Wallace, mixologist
The Long Tom
Wallace is competing in this year’s Cocktail Royale with his signature drink, The Long Tom. This sophisticated cocktail features Jefferson’s Small Batch bourbon, orange bitters, house-made cider, fig extract, and a touch of orange zest tincture. The result is a perfectly balanced blend of warmth, citrus, and subtle sweetness, making it an ideal choice for bourbon lovers.
The Terrace
Amanda Cusey, executive chef
Spiced Apple Old Fashioned
Cusey showcases her talent in this year’s Cocktail Royale with her flavorful creation, Spiced Apple Old Fashioned. This autumn-inspired cocktail combines apple-infused Jefferson’s bourbon, spiced apple syrup, orange and cherry bitters, and is finished with an amareno cherry and orange slice garnish, offering a perfectly balanced, cozy flavor with a hint of warmth. It’s a rich, spiced twist on a classic and perfect for sipping and savoring.
Library Riot
Jamie Meiburg, owner and lead mixologist
Heart of Dark Mist
Meiburg brings his inventive mixology skills to the Cocktail Royale with his creation, Heart of Dark Mist. This bold cocktail blends Jefferson’s Small Batch bourbon with Hway41 Soju, blackberry juice, and a house-made blackberry plum syrup, resulting in a rich, fruit-forward drink with depth and complexity. This variation of the Billionaire cocktail caters to both connoisseurs and those new to the realm of bourbon cocktails. Jefferson’s bourbon, complemented by the sweet and fruity notes of soju, harmoniously blends with blackberry juices and a delicate blackberry-plum syrup, completing this exquisite beverage that is perfect for savoring on a pleasant autumn day.
The Villa
Andy Anderson, mixologist
The Dharma Bum
Anderson highlights his mixology skills in the Cocktail Royale contest with The Dharma Bum. This sophisticated cocktail features Jefferson’s Small Batch bourbon, combined with Italicus Bergamot Liqueur, house-made ginger rosemary syrup, lemon juice, and orange bitters. The result is a bright, aromatic drink that marries classic elegance with a modern twist. This drink offers a bright, citrus-forward experience with a warm, herbal finish. A perfect harmony of flavors in every sip.
Bodega Wine Dive
Ryan Kennedy, mixologist
The Benny & Archie
Kennedy brings The Benny & Archie to the Cocktail Royale contest. Made with Jefferson’s bourbon, aromatics, simple syrup, and mint, this inventive twist on the classic Mint Julep, inspired by a recent Napa Valley adventure, ‘martinifies’ the cocktail by incorporating egg whites to achieve a silky texture. Named after the horses Ryan rode through Carneros, this cocktail features a refreshing blend of bourbon, mint, and a touch of creativity.
Chart House/Rush, Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino
David Holland, mixologist
Jefferson’s Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Holland brings his creativity to the Cocktail Royale with Jefferson’s Cinnamon Old Fashioned. This sophisticated twist on a classic combines Jefferson’s bourbon, a sugar cube for subtle sweetness, cinnamon bitters for a warm, aromatic depth, and a garnish of bright orange peel, offering a warm, spiced take on the traditional Old Fashioned. This cocktail blends smooth bourbon with cozy, comforting flavors.
Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse/Ice Bar, Golden Nugget
Brittany Matt, mixologist
Long Tom’s Garden
Matt’s Long Tom’s Garden brings us a bold and complex cocktail that blends Jefferson’s bourbon with the nutty sweetness of orgeat and the rich cherry notes of Luxardo. A touch of Domaine de Canton adds ginger warmth, while Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur brings a subtle heat. Topped with ginger ale, garnished with a mint sprig, and served with a Tajín rim, this drink offers a spicy, sweet, and refreshing experience.
The Pioneer Club
Hunter Trahan, mixologist
PB&B
Trahan showcases his creativity in the Cocktail Royale contest with the PB&B, a rich and aromatic cocktail featuring a blend of port wine and Jefferson’s bourbon for a smooth, full-bodied base. Benedictine adds herbal depth, while bitters and a hint of lemon brighten the mix. Topped with a luscious port foam and garnished with fresh thyme, this cocktail offers a balanced harmony of sweet, herbal, and citrus notes, making it an elevated experience for the palate.
Salt Revival Oyster Co.
Gabe Touvell, mixologist
Middle of the Road
Touvell is competing in the Cocktail Royale with his inventive creation, the Middle of the Road. This cocktail features a refreshing balance of Jefferson’s bourbon and rosemary syrup, complemented by lemon juice. Garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a lemon wheel, this cocktail offers a delightful fusion of herbal and citrus flavors, perfect for a sophisticated yet approachable sip.
Want to make a difference while enjoying exceptional cocktails?
Choose one of the participating locations for your next outing and try their featured drinks. Look for or scan the table tent to vote and donate for your favorite cocktail. Or join us on November 14 for the grand finale cocktail party at LeBocage Stables and cast your final vote in person!
Plus, every Sip & Savor moment supports United Way of SWLA’s Success by 6 Program, enriching early childhood education in our community.
Cheers to extraordinary cocktails and impactful giving!
