Winter is coming. And with that in mind, the Hotel ZaZa Memorial City hosted its fall installment of its signature Cocktail Showdown to showcase signature sips from some of Houston’s top talent.
Upon arriving to the event, which benefitted Homemade Hope, each guest chose a whimsical token shaped as a piece of fruit, which was then placed in a bowl for the People’s Choice Award. Partygoers gathered poolside around The Beach Club, enjoying hand-crafted cocktails, light bites curated by Hotel ZaZa’s Chef Jacob Weaver, and music.
The competing mixologists for the evening were Alli Genoway (Bosscat Kitchen and Libations) with her Chai’s Tale made with Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength; Patrick Abalos (Not Too Sweet Events) with his Abuelito’s Ponche, made with Don Julio Reposado; Ryan Perry (Presidio) with his King of The North, made with Johnnie White Walker; Arturo Jimenez (Blend Bar) with his Corpse Revival, made with Ketel One Vodka; and Alex Banh (Whiskey Cake) with his Fond Memories, made with Zacapa 23.
Celebrity judges included Heritage Texas Properties realtor and famed foodie Lily Jang, CultureMap editor Steven Devadanam, food writer Carlos Brandon, Jorge Raptis of National Educator Latin Spirits, and Robbie Cook of the United States Bartender’s Guild.
Banh won the People’s Choice honor for his Fond Memories. Meanwhile, the judges chose Perry’s King of The North — which, in keeping with its Game of Thrones theme featured a flaming lemon garnish — as the winning drink of the night. The event raised $1,735 for Homemade Hope.
Cocktail Showdown sippers included Stacy and Jason Johnson, Tony Bravo, Brooke Bentley, Erin Delaney, Shelby Janik, Nick Scurfield, Ashley Golden, Adam Greer, and Owen Daniels.
Rob Castello, Laura Barker, and Thomas Lotero.
