Ava McDonnell
Central Florida’s top mixologists are shaking things up for Give Kids the World Village at the second annual Bartenders Bash happening on Thursday, August 21 in Disney Springs’s The Edison. This premier event celebrates the artistry of cocktail creation while supporting the community.
Hosted by The Patina Group at The Edison at Disney Springs, the event brings together some of Orlando’s most talented bartenders from Yak & Yeti in Animal Kingdom, Atlantic in Epic Universe, and Capa at the Four Seasons, who will be joining mixologists from The Edison and Morimoto Asia for some friendly competition.
Eight local mixologists will compete to create palate-pleasing cocktails for a panel of VIP judges who will sample and vote for their favorite cocktail.It’s a platform designed to recognize the skill and creativity that goes into crafting exceptional cocktails.
Beyond the cocktail competition, guests can expect a full evening of entertainment. The event features food stations crafted by The Edison’s culinary team, live music, and a silent auction. The auction benefits Give Kids the World Village, a non-profit resort that provides cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families.
From Competition to Community
This event has grown significantly, inviting more participants from new establishments across Central Florida. With a goal of making this year’s competition more impactful and energetic for the audience, participants are excited to share their art form and hungry for competition.
“We look at longstanding relationships within the Central Florida culinary community, and we rely heavily on the input of our team when it comes to emerging talent,” Rose said about the selection process. “We always seek a balance between established bar leaders and rising stars to ensure a diverse and exciting roster of participants.”
One of those returning stars is Corey Dawson, a two-time national finalist in Bartending and Mixology competitions, who was recently featured in Bartender Magazine. For Dawson, mixology is an art form driven by constant innovation.
“The industry is ever-changing and evolving, with new techniques, tools, ingredients, and styles emerging all the time,” Dawson said. “There’s never a dull moment.”
Another competitor, Chelsea Gilpin from The Edison, has a deep-rooted love for the craft of mixology. After working with a passionate bar manager, Gilpin says it “sparked (her) curiosity about the craft bar scene.” This exposure transformed her understanding of drinks from simple rum and cokes to a complex, creative art form.
“Mixology is the craft—and a bit of science—behind creating drinks with depth and complexity,” Gilpin said. “It’s similar to cooking, but your ‘kitchen’ is the bar, and your ingredients are primarily liquid.”
The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail
When creating the perfect drink, mixologists become part scientist and part artist. They blend precise measurements with new flavor combinations to craft an unforgettable experience.
Dawson plans to prepare a Lavender Sour with Bombay Sapphire and a scratch-made lavender syrup for the competition. He hopes it will stand out as one of the few gin-based cocktails in the lineup.
“To me, mixology is about crafting a cocktail that provides an experience, not just a taste,” said Dawson. “ It involves carefully selecting ingredients while considering not just the flavor, but also the aroma, texture, and how the flavors balance or complement each other.”
Gilpin is bringing a unique drink called the Ube Colada, featuring Cachaça, matcha, pineapple, honey, and ube. The inspiration came from an extensive fascination with Asian ceremonial tea.
“My creative process can be a bit intense at times because I tend to focus on a single idea until I achieve the flavors I desire,” she said.
She continues highlighting how this method can lead to unexpected and innovative combinations, like espresso martinis paired with cheese which she described as “delicious.”
Both competitors agreed on the importance of the guest experience. “I love letting guests vote on drinks because it gives them the opportunity to try a variety of cocktails and spirits they might not be familiar with,” Gilpin said.
This sense of creative energy and community is exactly what the organizers aim to foster.
“Witnessing the incredible creativity and camaraderie that emerges during this event is very special,” Rose said. “Bringing the local restaurant community into The Edison, and celebrating the rich knowledge and experience of the mixologists is very rewarding.”
Mixing Philanthropy with Fun
“Our goal with Bartenders Bash is to highlight and celebrate the incredible mixology talent we have in Orlando,” Seth Rose, Vice President of Operations and Strategic Partnerships for The Patina Group, said. “Our local mixologists are at the forefront of crafting creative and innovative cocktails, and we believe they deserve recognition for their artistry.”
“Giving back to the community is a core value for us at Patina Group,” Seth Rose said. “Give Kids the World Village holds a special place, as they bring so much joy to families facing unimaginable challenges.”
For the competitors, being part of an event that gives back is a key motivator. “It’s an honor to be a part of this event, as it allows me to showcase my craft while contributing to a great cause,” Dawson said.
Gilpin added that this event “allows us to connect with other establishments in Orlando and showcase our passion and skills, which we are excited to practice every day.”
In the end, it’s the combination of community, creativity, and charity that organizers hope people will remember most.
“I hope everyone has a fantastic time and leaves with a deeper appreciation of our vibrant local hospitality scene,” Rose concludes. “This event is now an annual tradition because of your passion and support.”
Visit The Edison site for tickets and more details on this event.
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