Houston's most passionate and fashionable bourbon lovers came out in full force on Monday night for Woodford Reserve's Movember celebration at Station 3. Mustaches and beards were the accessory of the evening among the fun crowd, with everyone decked out in their best night-out ensembles.
"We basically want to educate people on the Manhattan," Riojas said. "I'm here to show them how to make one, what makes a Manhattan, and how to change things up."
"Manhattan" was the word of the evening, too, with New York-themed decor featuring everything from an incredible ice carving of the Statue of Liberty to street-style hot dogs. The high energy of NYC could be felt throughout the entire event space as cocktail enthusiasts and Houston's top bartenders mixed and mingled.
Featured mixologist Michael Riojas served up delicious Manhattans and hosted sessions to teach guests how to craft them at home.
"We basically want to educate people on the Manhattan," Riojas said. "I'm here to show them how to make one, what makes a Manhattan, and how to change things up."
"To me personally, a Manhattan is all about the whiskey," he added.
There was no shortage of small-batch bourbon at the glittering holiday event as partygoers sampled delicious, expertly-crafted cocktails. Patrons participating in Rijoas' educational cocktail sessions reveled in his enthusiasm to teach them about a drink they know and love, but may not have known how to make until now.
Guests circulated throughout the beautifully decorated two-story venue near downtown Houston, stopping by the four bars to grab craft cocktails, ranging from several takes on the event's signature Manhattan to whiskey sours.
The second floor was booming with mock casino games just for fun, featuring roulette, poker and craps tables. Cheers from the craps and roulette tables could be heard well above the heavy bass of the hip-hop blasting from speakers, encouraging patrons to get their groove on and get the most out of the spectacular event.
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CRAFT CAREFULLY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucy Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol.
The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ® 2014
