On Sept. 12 at Crystal Lake, seven Bushwick bars will be battling it out in the ‘Brews and Booze Cocktail Competition’ hosted by Edrington Spirits and Blue Moon. The first prize is a $3,000 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice, courtesy of Edrington.
To showcase their cocktails, the competing bars have scheduled happy hours every day this week (9/4-9/11). Show up at the correct day/ time and you’ll be able to try the cocktail for FREE, courtesy of the sponsor.
Read-on for happy hour details and interviews with the bartenders competing on Sept. 12.
Semi-Finalist bars include: Heavy Woods, Bonus Room, Crystal Lake, Huckleberry Bar, Dromedary, Forrest Point and Idlewild.
Heavy Woods
Happy Hour: Tuesday, Sept. 4, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
50 Wyckoff Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11237, USA
Heavy Woods recently celebrated its 6-year anniversary. This bar sets itself apart from the other with its Cajun food menu and outdoor seating. The team is currently working on their new Fall menu which will debut in the coming months.
Semi-Finalist
Luke Rogers
Preferred Pronoun:
He/Him
Time Bartending:
15 years on and off.
How did you learn to bartend and what keeps you excited about the job?
I started bartending in awful pubs in the UK but ended up working in cocktail bars later on. Discovering and learning about different spirits/wines/beers etc keeps it interesting for me. I like being able to actually talk about what I’m serving.
What was your first job as a kid?
Working a cheese counter at 13.
What hobbies do you have outside of the bar?
DJing and hanging out with my wife and dog.
Who inspires you most right now, why?
Anyone doing anything positive right now in the face of idiocy.
What is your favorite Book, why?
Paris In the Twentieth Century by Jules Verne. He basically predicts 1960s Paris 90 years before. What’s cool is that his original publisher didn’t like it so it was never made until his (Great?) Grandson found it in the early ’90s.
What is your favorite podcast?
‘My Dad Wrote A Porno’ never disappoints.
What is your favorite Instagram or Twitter Account?
The Scottish comedian Limmy has a pretty great Twitter.
If you win the competition, to what charity will you be donating?
The Troy Deeney Foundation does great work for children with disabilities, so yeah, those guys.
Dromedary
Happy Hour: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
266 Irving Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11237
Dromedary has been the neighborhood Tiki bar for over two years. Owner Mike Lombardozzi says, “as the Tiki Trend rises, I feel Dromedary offers more than usual Tiki aesthetic, giving it more of a local oasis feel than a tropical oasis. It feels like you’re half inside a beach bar and half inside a dive bar.”
Mike constantly works to bring new things to the bar. One-off events, shows, DJs, Burlesque, Trivia and Karaoke (to name a few). Recently, Dromedary started hosting a game night called Super Trash Brothers, it’s an interactive guest experience where comedians commentate while guests try to win– it’s a shit ton of fun.
Semi-Finalist
Michael Lombardozzi
Preferred Pronoun:
He/Him
Time Bartending:
22 years bartending.
How did you learn to bartend and what keeps you excited about the job?
I took a bartending class at 17 years old to legally work at an Italian restaurant in Bensonhurst.
What was your first job as a kid?
Worked at a bagel store when I was 15.
What hobbies do you have outside of the bar?
I used to be a bass player in bands. I miss it and love it. Maybe I’ll do it again someday who knows.
Who inspires you most right now, why?
Right now, because I own a bar, I really look up to the people involved in the Attaboy, Milk n Honey (RIP) bars. There is such an amazing and clearly visible friendship and community within these bars. Bartenders that aren’t pretentious and just really want to make you the best cocktail you’ve ever had. Friendly, fast, accurate. That Sash Petraske and Sam Roth have curated hospitality that I strive to have.
What is your favorite Book, why?
Most Beautiful Woman in Town, Charles Bukowski. Because I don’t read. but I read all his books and I somehow relate, I don’t know why!
What is your favorite podcast?
Jacked Kirby. My brother Tommy Lombardozzi and friend Mike Devito created a podcast about the legendary artist and writer Jack Kirby. I know, nerdy.
What is your favorite Instagram or Twitter Account?
IG. Yumbooties, suicide girls, Alldaybootie.
If you win the competition, to what charity will you be donating?
TBD.
Final Words
Know this about me. I support everyone. Gender, ethnicity, my neighboring bar and restaurants.
Bonus Room
Happy Hour: Thursday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
991 Wyckoff Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA
Semi-Finalist
Ash
Unfortunately we don’t have more information about this semi-finalist right now, but we will update this as soon as we can. However, the finalist’s work is still worth checking out. Stop by this location for happy hour this week!
Crystal Lake
Happy Hour: Friday, Sept. 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
647 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
Crystal Lake opened in February 2018 making it eight months old. The bar is a friendly and warm neighborhood spot where an eclectic, New York crowd can feel at home. A half year into opening, Crystal Lake combines a large and beautiful back room/event space, a drink menu which ranges from ornate gin cocktails served in crystal goblets to inexpensive canned beers and shot specials.
The bar features a large high-definition projector for all big sports games and the occasional Movie or Nintendo Wii night. While the menu features seasonal craft cocktails, daily beer and shot specials & 14 Rotating Beer Lines with 8 wines on tap.
Semi-Finalist
Kylie Derby
Preferred Pronoun:
She/Her
Time Bartending:
I’ve been in the service industry for 11 years, and started bartending six years ago.
How did you learn to bartend and what keeps you excited about the job?
I worked at a restaurant in Chelsea as a server and no bartenders were available to work. So, my boss threw me back there because I wrote (and lied) on my resume that I had bartended before. And I was good, so he kept me back there. My favorite thing about bartending is roping in all the solo people that come in for one drink. I introduce them to the other solos, and before you know it, they’re staying for multiple drinks and made multiple new friends; Including me. That’s the best.
What was your first job as a kid?
My sister hooked me up at the local bowling alley and I worked at the snack bar.
What hobbies do you have outside of the bar?
I’m an artist. I got my degree in Illustration, but I’m working on getting into scenic painting work.
Who inspires you most right now, why?
My friend Jonathon Lindsay. He’s a great bartender and perfectly balances his life as a very talented artist. And he’s tough on me and has given me a deadline for my work! Who’d a thought I’d be getting homework from my pals at the ripe age of 27.
What is your favorite Book, why?
Nerd alert: I love series and I’m going to have to say the Harry Potter series. I’ve lost count on the amount of times I’ve re-read those books.
What is your favorite podcast?
I just learned how to use my podcast app like yesterday… I’ll have to get back to you!
What is your favorite Instagram or Twitter Account?
Besides @crystal_lake_brooklyn of course, I’d have to go with @nicodelort. He’s a pretty fantastic scratchboard artist.
If you win the competition, to what charity will you be donating?
I’ll be donating to The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation in honor of my very good friend’s sister Jeanienne Jinks.
Final Words
I firmly believe that the customer is NOT always right.
Idlewild
Happy Hour: Friday, Sept. 7, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
24 St Nicholas Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11237
Semi-Finalist
Cameron Lapierre
PREFERRED PRONOUN:
He/Him
TIME BARTENDING:
1 Year
HOW DID YOU LEARN TO BARTEND AND WHAT KEEPS YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE JOB?
It was a collective effort from a large group of peers. I sort of absorbed a little bit of everyone’s style until I finally formed my own. There’s still so much for me to learn so every shift is new and exciting.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AS A KID?
I started cutting down and chopping up trees for firewood at 13
WHAT HOBBIES DO YOU HAVE OUTSIDE OF THE BAR?
Exploring New York’s cocktail scene, movies with friends, and Luke’s dog.
WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST RIGHT NOW, WHY?
All of my friends inspire me. It’s wonderful to see a great group of people succeed and be happy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, WHY?
Harry Potter, hands down.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST?
My Favorite Murder
IF YOU WIN THE COMPETITION, TO WHAT CHARITY WILL YOU BE DONATING?
The Queer Detainee Empowerment Project (QDEP). They provide support for LGBTQ people coming out of immigration detention in the Tri State area.
Huckleberry Bar
Happy Hour: Monday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
588 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
Semi-Finalist
Sorine Anderson
Unfortunately we don’t have more information about this semi-finalist right now, but we will update this as soon as we can. However, the finalist’s work is still worth checking out. Stop by this location for happy hour this week!
Forrest Point
Happy Hour: Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
970 Flushing Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA
Forrest Point has been open for five years and prides itself with its unique and approachable cocktails made quickly in an unpretentious atmosphere. Forrest Point tries to use local breweries and distilleries and are trying to have a smaller carbon footprint. They are currently working on their fall cocktail menu and excited about the changes. They are also working on their third Drag Brunch which will be the last Saturday of every month.
Semi-Finalist
Teylor Smirl
Preferred Pronoun:
She/Her
Time Bartending:
10 Years.
How did you learn to bartend and what keeps you excited about the job?
I was a bar-back and paid my dues for many years. Getting to work with new brands, new spirits the menu development.
What was your first job as a kid?
A pizza place in the mall food court. My first task was to spray the display pizzas with a water bottle on the hour to make them look fresh. Not exactly glamorous.
What hobbies do you have outside of the bar?
Illustrator, podcaster, Cosplayer.
Who inspires you most right now, why?
The last person who taught me something new.
What is your favorite Book, why?
Anything by Junti Ito. He’s my favorite manga artist/writer, and a master of all things spooky and grotesque. He even managed to make an autobiographical comic about his cat terrifying.
What is your favorite podcast?
My favorite podcast is Welcome to Nightvale but I should say my own podcast Still Buffering a show I have with my 2 sisters.
What is your favorite Instagram or Twitter Account?
@chikkunmama All of my favorite accounts are animals, this Japanese hedgehog is my favorite.
If you win the competition, to what charity will you be donating?
I would like to donate to RAICES. The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families and refugees in Central and South Texas.
Final Words
Most of my cocktails are named after cartoon characters or superheroes.
Cover Images From @shakeandstirbk
Links to Purchase Semi-Finalists Favorite Books are Amazon Affiliate for the Benefit of Brooklyn New Media