Marie Brizard Cocktail Challenge

NYC bartenders compete for glory and a trip to France

On Friday, November 7th, nine of New York City's finest bartenders (plus one from Philly and one from Jersey) came together at a private bar in the belly of Madison Square Garden to compete in the 11th annual Marie Brizard Cocktail Challenge (East Coast division). Whoever could mix up the most creative and delicious two cocktails in 10 minutes would win a trip to Bordeaux, France, to compete in the international MBCC finals.

Who would mess up? Who would melt down? Did anyone stain his vest? Which judge, if any, whipped a martini glass across the room while screaming "There's sweat on this goddamn stem!"? Most importantly, who won? Let's see. —Edith Zimmerman