punch party — Blog

New Yorkers kicked off the holiday season with festive holiday punches and cocktails on November 18 at Astor Center

Guests were treated to endless ladles of spiced punch and whimsical wintry ballerinas amid a cozy rustic scene at The Dizzy Fizz's 8th Annual Holiday Spirits Bazaar. The sold-out event featured 25+ holiday punches and cocktails made by some of NYC's best bartenders. In advance of the busy season of entertaining, guests were inspired by concoctions such as the Rum and Raisin (Diplomatico Rum, fig preserve, lemon juice, and agave nectar), Chronic Munrosis No. 3 (served warm with Hendrick's Gin, apple juice, Mandarin juice, Rooibos tea, hibiscus syrup, and lemon juice), and the Spiced Old Fashioned (Westward American Single Malt, spiced demerara sugar, and orange oil). All of the recipes from the event can be found at holidayspiritsbazaar.com/recipes.

As guests sipped their way through the holiday libations, they used text-to-vote technology to select a People's Choice winner. Eric Ribeiro's Northern Spice Cider featuring Crown Royal (recipe below) took home the trophy and the ultimate bragging rights.

Masked ballerinas from Shien Artists delighted the crowd throughout the evening, while DJ Tomas Delos Reyes kept the vibe upbeat. VIP guests enjoyed an early oyster hour featuring Bluepoint Oysters catered by Eddie's Oysters, and all guests enjoyed an array of cheese and charcuterie from Stinky Brooklyn. The merry-making took place between two themed rooms—a Fireplace Tavern and a Sparkling Spirited Parlor.

As is tradition every year, a portion of ticket proceeds benefits Children’s Aid Society, a non-profit supporting some of NYC’s neediest children.

Exhibitors included: Westward Whiskey, Casa Magdalena Rum, Krogstad Aquavit, Four Roses Bourbon, Rhum Clement, Hendrick’s Gin, Reyka Vodka, Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky, Crown Royal, Don Papa Rum, Malfy Gin, Diplomatico Rum, Amaro Lucano, Monkey Shoulder Whisky, Drambuie, Chairman’s Reserve Rum, Poland Select Wodka, Montanaro, Spytail Rum, Black Button Apple Pie Moonshine, and non-alcoholic drinks by Curious Elixirs.

People's Choice Winner:

Northern Spice Cider
Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye
Union Mezcal
Chai ginger cordial
Lemon juice
Pom Wonderful
Apple cider

Event Photos

A special thanks to my husband, Damien Good, event assistant Dani Shanberg and team, and digital partners Pulsd and Google.

Since opening last September at 133 Avenue C, The Summit Bar, helmed by Hamid Rashidzada and Greg Seider, has received a flurry of acclaim for its crafty drinks and effortlessly cool vibe. Named "Best Cocktail Bar" by New York Magazine and "Most Democratic Cocktail Bar" by Time Out New York, it's clear the boys (yes, the bar sports an all-male staff) are doing something right. After hosting two successful events there (the Holiday Puncheon and the Gracias party), I was delighted to assist* with the arrangements for Summit's first birthday.

Greg took on the Herculean task of creating 18 different punches, which were available for self-service all night. To keep everyone on an even keel, barbecued treats such as pulled pork sliders and mini hot dogs were served along with sliced watermelon enhanced with tequila, lime juice and dashes of salt. Base spirits for the punches included: Beefeater Gin, Yamazaki Whiskey, Leblon Cachaca, Corralejo Tequila, Santa Teresa Rum, Ilegal Mezcal, Chartreuse, Russian Standard Vodka, and Agwa Coca Liqueur. And for those not in the mood to get punched, Estrella Damm pilsner was served all night as well.

DJs DSol, Kenny Rodriguez, Ryan Taylor and Nounz NYC kept the good times flowing, and Lush Life Productions was on hand to capture photos of the rollicking celebration, which lasted until dawn. Congrats to The Summit Bar and thanks to everyone who joined in the festivities! Extra special thanks to The Summit Bar's staff and catering team!