Mix Masters

From our own rip-roaring Charleston’s Next Top Cocktail competition yesterday at Club NV, to the Charleston Wine + Food Official Festival Mixologist Competition this evening, this week is anything but dry.

Last night 10 bartenders from local spots such as Coast, Old Village Post House, Oak, and The Cocktail Club vied to become the creator of Charleston Fashion Week’s signature Grey Goose and Gentleman Jack drinks—an honor that will be unveiled in the March issue of Charleston magazine.

Tonight, some of those same mixologists contend to have their drink selected as the featured Signature Festival Cocktail at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival’s opening night party, Salute to Charleston’s Chefs. The public is invited to join in the fun, beginning at 6 p.m. at Michael Mitchell Gallery, 438 King Street.

Now with all this drinking going on, we bet you’re thirsty. Luckily, you don’t have to be a big-time mixologist to make a bang-up cocktail at home. For something with a little kick, try Rue de Jean favorite the French 75, which we featured in The Drink section of our January issue.

Named after the quick-firing 75mm howitzer field gun used by the French Army in World War I, the cocktail harnesses the same swift kick, except in a pleasant buzz form. Dry, bubbly brut mixed with a few shots of good gin and simple syrup makes for a refreshing drink that’s easy—and impressive—to whip up while entertaining. Bartender Michael Moore says the trick to the potent potion is balance.

To read tips from Rue de Jean bartender Michael Moore on making the drink and to get the full recipe, click here.

For more information on tonight’s Charleston Wine + Food Festival Official Festival Mixologist Competition, click here.

To find additional cocktail recipes, click here.

For all the latest in Charleston events, click here.