2017 Arizona Cocktail Week Event LineUp
The 2017 Arizona Cocktail Week is right around the corner and the 6th annual event is sounding like it may be the best year yet.
The event brings together industry specialists as well as cocktail devotees from all over the state. The weeklong celebration, from February 17th through the 24th, of all things cocktails and spirits will consist of everything from parties, exclusive tasting events, informational discussions, cocktail competitions and sumptuous feasts.
What’s the lineup of 2017 Arizona Cocktail Week Events?
Cocktail Carnival
February 17th, 2017 | 8pm until 10pm | Hotel Valley Ho | OH Pool | $40
The kick-off to AZCW! Mixologists come from all over the country to showcase the best and most innovative, enjoyable cocktails. Nothing is out of bounds or off limits, how about some boozy caramel corn? An Alice-in-Wonderland themed booth with “Drink Me” tonics? No matter your cocktail or spirit of choice, you’ll surely come across something you love, with over 25 different tables and booths including some “Secret Suites” with attractions and performers galore.
Beyond the Smoke: Understanding Cannabis in Food & Beverage
February 18th, 2017 | 11am until 12:15pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Tropicana Room
This seminar, presented by The Clever Root, will delve into the potential culinary and beverage applications of cannabis, as well as provide an in-depth education into a developing class in the F&B space. From the ABCs of CBDs, to responsible dosing and the principles of multiple extraction techniques, this seminar will offer F&B industry professionals an exclusive look at the future of cannabis and its place in the hospitality industry.
From Bartender to Bar Manager
February 18th, 2017 | 11am until 12:15pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Sahara Room
Speaker | Jillian Vose (The Dead Rabbit NYC), Tyson Buhler (Death & Co NYC)
Join famed bartender Jillian Vose and Tyson Buhler (Diageo World Class) as they walk you through what it takes to make the leap from Bartender to Bar Manager … it’s not as easy as you think.
The Art of the Tiki
February 18th, 2017 | 12:30pm until 2pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Sands Building
Speakers | Martin Cate (Smuggler’s Cove), Georgi Radev (Mahiki London)
Featured speakers will discuss the past and present of the art of Polynesian Pop. From the mugs, carvings, music, cocktails, and more, you’ll learn how the art of tiki shapes the total guest experience. You’ll sip on exotic cocktails while shopping at a bazaar filled with art by some of the most famous tiki artists living in the Southwest today. Sponsored By: Re’al Bar Ingredients and Don Q Rum.
Modern Classics Workshop with Cherry Heering
February 18th, 2017 | 2pm until 3:15pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Tropicana Room
Speakers | H Ehrmann (Elixir San Francisco)
Join San Francisco’s veteran barman and educator H. Joseph Ehrmann as he leads you through a multi-faceted workshop directed at examining and inspiring the flavor pairings possible in utilizing Cherry Heering in your original spin on a classic cocktail. We’ll taste this classic liqueur with 12 different spirits, an array of bitters, produce and other modifiers and explore possibilities together.
What the Hell is Cachaca
February 18th, 2017 | 2pm until 3:15pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Sands Building
Speakers | Armando Rosario
What the Hell is Cachaça? So you think you know? Join Armando Rosario as he lies out the history and production of the original distillate of the Americas and official spirit of Brazil and have the most famous cocktail that uses this spirit–the Caipirinha! Sponsored By SGWS Get Tickets
CrushBrew
February 18th, 2017 | 6pm | Bridge between Olive & Ivy and Herb Box | $56
Arizona Cocktail Week has collaborated with CRUSHBREW, a Craft Beverage Festival at the Scottsdale Waterfront, during our Cocktailgating Festival! CRUSHBREW brings together craft beer, boutique wines, hard cider and craft spirits. AZCW will also have their tent at CRUSHBREW, demonstrating craft cocktails to the masses.
In association with CRUSHBREW, Arizona Cocktail Week will be offering a Combo Ticket in 2017 to attend the AZCW Cocktailgating Festival and CRUSHBREW on a single ticket. Ollie the Trolley will provide transportation between the two festivals.
Cocktailgating Festival Combo Ticket (a la carte) is $25 for General Admission (gets you into the Cocktailgating Festival, Artisanal Market and Last Slinger Standing. CRUSHBREW Ticket Price (a la carte) is $45. AZCW Cocktailgating Festival / CRUSHBREW combo ticket is $56
High Volume Art Perfected
February 18th, 2017 | 3:30pm until 5pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Sands Building
Speakers | Chris Cardone (Diageo World Class Finalist), Nectaly Mendoza (Herbs & Rye), Ross Simon (Bitter & Twisted), Jacques Bezuidenhout (Forgery/Wild Hawk)
Examining the craft of high volume cocktails and establishments. Jump behind the bar with them and learn some of the key principles and tricks of the trade in creating a high volume bar with success.
Storytellers
February 18th, 2017 | 7pm until 10pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Palm Court Lawn | $100
Join AZCW in the garden of the Hotel Valley Ho and enjoy a remarkable dinner from some of the Valley’s greatest chefs coupled with the most outstanding cocktails from renowned mixologists–all the while listening to their extraordinary stories. Proudly part of the ever growing AZ Storytellers Project, in partnership with the AZ Republic, the night is led by its founder, Megan Finnerty. All proceeds directly benefit our charity partner C-CAP (Careers in Culinary Arts Program) that gives scholarships to high school students to pursue their dreams in the culinary world.
Past chefs and storytellers have included: Beau MacMillan, Cullen Campbell, Silvia Salcido Esperanza, Aaron May, Dale Degroff, Tony Abou-Ganim, Jillian Vose, Jonathan Pogash and Mat Snapp. This year’s lineup will undoubtedly be a memorable one.
This year, our theme is Family Style. The dinner and cocktails will be served at communal tables, family style, meant to be shared and enjoyed as a group. An evening under the stars in the Garden at the Hotel Valley Ho.
Cocktailgating Festival
February 18th and 19th, 2017 | 7pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday | Hotel Valley Ho | Sands Parking Lot | $20 per day
Watch out as AZCW takes over The Sands parking lot at the Hotel Valley Ho and provides a memorable experience of sampling spirits, professional demonstrations, and endless fun and games.
Tickets are $20 per day or are complimentary with a purchase of another event ticket that day (i.e. seminar, cocktail carnival, top bars, artisanal market, etc.). You can also buy a combination ticket to this event plus Artisanal Market and Last Slinger Standing for $25.
Agave Alley
February 18th, 2017 | 10pm until 11:59 | Bowlmor Scottsdale
The Agave-fueled bowling extravaganza offers samples of over a dozen of some of Mexico’s finest agave spirits while bowling! Transportation will be provided from the Hotel Valley Ho to Bowlmor Lanes in Scottsdale.
Accent Flair
February 19th, 2017 | 11am until 12:15pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Tropicana Room
Speakers | Moe Isaza and Chris Cardone
One of the most significant features of creating value is the differentiation of oneself; how to use your body gestures and bar tools to draw attention and create an impressive experience for your guests. This seminar will offer bartenders an opportunity to bridge various fundamental methods and philosophies together to become a more complete bartender.
In this half presentation/half workshop, attendees will learn about the significance of using showmanship, an understanding of flavors inside the glass, and the mastery of their tools by using “accent flair” to once again separate themselves and increase their value as a bartender.
Shedding Light on the Dark Side of the Industry
February 19th, 2017 | 2pm until 3:15pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Tropicana Room
Speakers | Tony Abou-Ganim (Moderator), Nectaly Mendoza, Chris Cardone, Damon Scott
Many people overlook some of the unpleasant actualities of the industry, like alcoholism and the culture of drinking. Join moderator Tony Abou-Ganim as you get to know some industry luminaries and take in some of their stories of how they’ve been through addiction and alcoholism and how they continue to work in the industry. This seminar is complimentary to attend with a maximum of 50 people. No media and no recording of any kind allowed.
Secrets of a Home Bartender
February 19th, 2017 | 11am until 12:15pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Sahara Room |
Speaker | Randy Tarlow (Liquid Alchemist)
When setting up your own bar, learn some of the tricks of the trade and practical tips in building your own mixology bar at home, from Syrups 101 to product selection to bar tools.
The Cold facts on the Hottest Brew
February 19th, 2017 | 2pm until 3:15pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Sands Building
Speaker | John Gozebekian
“Cold” brewed coffee has been hot over the last 5-10 years. It is not a new movement, it is a renewed one. Just because a coffee can be “cold brewed” doesn’t mean it should be. Get the facts on what makes a cold brew coffee, how it works and the advantages and disadvantages. Find out about the different types of cold brewed coffee, both “still” and “Nitro” infusions. Sponsored By Cult Coffee.
British Invasion from tea sippers to cocktail shakers
February 19th, 2017 | 12:30pm until 2pm | Hotel Valley Ho | Sands Building
Speakers | Declan Padraic McGurk from Savoy, Jake Burger (Portbello Gin), Simon Thompson (Callooh Callay), Georgi Radev (Mahiki London)
Some of the most innovative, award-winning bars have come out of London. And over the last two decades, it has become a global cocktail powerhouse. How did it get to this point and what has been the guiding force behind it? In this British Invasion, you’ll meet some of the biggest names in the cocktail scene from across the pond and get an inside look into its past, present, and future. And shed light on what has taken place for London to gain its edge and continued reign in global cocktail domination.
The 2017 Arizona Cocktail Week is going to jam-packed with events so make sure that you check their website and start marking up your calendar and get your tickets for your preferred events.
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© Taryn Jeffries 2017
About the Author - Taryn Jeffries
Editor and Chief Eating Officer of PhoenixBites, 2017 Food Writer of the Year (Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame) Taryn grew up in a small town in Illinois with a doting Grandmother who taught her the way around a kitchen and that food is representative of love. Her current quest is to find the love in local dishes and the chefs behind them. In addition to running all things PhoenixBites, Taryn is also a freelance writer, sharing her insight on the best dishes and where to get them each and every month.
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