Combine the words “free” and “alcohol,” and you normally don’t have to ask me twice, but when I received an e-mail requesting my unrivaled drinking skills at a Drambuie cocktail contest, I thought “Dram-whoie?” I was still skeptical after a quick Google search resulted in things like “rusty nail” and men who wear skirts, but it was a case of when duty calls.
The wonderful people at Drambuie hosted two events last week to celebrate the liqueur’s 100th anniversary, one at Can’s and the other at Decibel. I opted for Decibel (1905 E. North) because I’m not a college freshman. The “Nail or Fail” contest showcased nine of Milwaukee’s best, undiscovered bartenders while they attempted their crafty hands at concocting a Drambuie mixer.
My responsibility, if you can even call it that, was to judge these beverages on presentation, flavor and creativity. Before you get all “I want that job” on me, know that one of the cocktails, named “Lost Weekend,” mixed Drambuie with Mezcal and tequila. I’d want to lose that weekend, too. Ignore the fact that another cocktail called for sprinkled nutmeg, and my taste buds rather enjoyed themselves.
Gil (Serum) earned himself the top spot with the “Crossbow,” a perfect blend of Drambuie, Disaronno and white grape juice, served with an unconventional white grape garnish. It touched me in such a way that No. 47 on my bucket list now reads: Bathe in Gil’s “Crossbow” while a loin cloth-clad unich brushes my hair. If you think that’s ridiculous, I’m also determined to get a piggyback ride from Nitro of American G
ladiators. While myself and two other judges played an important role, each attendee was given a carpenter nail to gift to their favorite bartender-cocktail combo. JC (Decibel) took home the coveted Crowd Choice Award and a third place plaque for his “Rabblerauser,” which called for muddled brown sugar and pineapple. Can you say home court advantage?
The affair had an elite feel, much like most of the events that Decibel plays host to, but they wrapped things up at 10 p.m., too early for my taste and much too early for anyone who just took advantage of complimentary cocktails. Fortunately, when we were kicked to the curb, we were greeted by complimentary Streetza Pizza, a food truck with a cult following and its own iPhone application. It would appear that Drambuie takes their “drink responsibly” disclaimer very seriously. Check out www.streetza.com for additional contest photos (some of which showcase yours truly) and information about upcoming events.
We heard whispers of Vitucci’s (1832 E. North) and their $1 mini-Miller’s, so we braved North Avenue in six-inch heels and scurried across the street. Where, wouldn’t you know it, it’s “Toppers Tuesday,” and we were once again faced with free food. Add up nine liqueur cocktails and various forms of pizza and you get one wicked case of heartburn. Let’s just say I had to sleep sitting up. A mild form of punishment for spending fewer than $4 on a night out in the Brew City.
