Poolside Cocktails with Kástra Elión at Bartender's Weekend
Bartender's Weekend Palm Springs Desert Escape: A Celebration of Craft Cocktails and Community
Picture this - we're lounging poolside with the one and only Kástra Elión at the Bartenders Weekend Desert Escape in Palm Springs with an all-star line up of bartenders mixing up amazing craft cocktails.
Amid the streets lined with palm trees and luxurious poolside settings, Kástra Elión Vodka hosted an unforgettable Bartenders Weekend poolside happy hour. This desert escape brought together talented mixologists from across the U.S. to showcase their skills, exchange ideas, and craft exceptional cocktails that epitomized the spirit of the event. With the backdrop of Arrive Hotel, this gathering not only celebrated great cocktails, but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among bartenders.
In case you missed it, here’s a look at some of the tasty Kástra cocktails that were served.
Fine Fine Fine | JOHN HARDIN
Cocktail: Kástra Elión Vodka, Yuzu, Lime, Cucumber Lime Cordial, Midori
By John Hardin, Santa Barbara, Dusk at Drift Hotel
The Fine Fine Fine cocktail, a creation of John Hardin from Dusk at Drift Hotel, brought refreshing notes of yuzu and cucumber to the table. Its vibrant green hue, courtesy of Midori, perfectly captured the essence of a poolside oasis.
Hardin says, “The profile of Kástra is an olive based vodka which makes it really smooth, which is great for this cocktail. Any vodka drinker I recommend Kastra to is always drawn to their brand.”
Passion Punch & Maia | Takuma Watanabe
Passion Punch: Kástra Elión Vodka, Aokage, Chinola, Pandan, Orange, Lemon, Milk
Maia: Kástra Elión Vodka, Yuzu, Pineapple, Basil
By Takuma Watanab, New York City, Martiny’s
Takuma Watanabe and Kino Masataka from Martiny’s in New York City presented two distinct yet equally delightful creations. Passion Punch offered a burst of tropical flavors, while Maia brought a fusion of yuzu and basil to the forefront.
Watanabe says, “Kástra delivers a little bit of texture and a touch of a creamy olive flavor profile that goes great with martinis.”
Peace Offering | ROSEY SULLIVAN
Cocktail: Kástra Elión Vodka, Bell Pepper+Tomato+Basil Cordial, Lime, Campari
By: Rosey Sullivan, Dallas, Monarch
Rosey Sullivan's Peace Offering cocktail combined the unexpected yet harmonious flavors of bell pepper, tomato, and basil with the citrusy zing of lime and the bitterness of Campari. It was a true testament to the artistry of mixing cocktails.
Sullivan says, “I like to do a twist on a classic citrus drink by adding some savory notes to it, and because Kastra is an olive based vodka, anything that is savory is really complimentary.”
Mediterranean Drip | Keenan Anaya
Cocktail: Kástra Elión Vodka, Coffee, Italicus, Date & Tahini
By: Keenan Anaya, San Diego, Nolitahall
Keenan Anaya's Mediterranean Drip transported us to the shores of the Mediterranean with its elegant blend of Kástra Elión Vodka, Italicus, and the rich, nutty flavors of date and tahini.
Anaya says, “This cocktail brings everything I thought about the Mediterranean into one cocktail. And Kástra is really unique, in the sense that they want flavor with their vodka. You really get a buttery, almost oily mouthfeel, so their vodka actually adds to the cocktail unlike most other vodkas that take on the flavor of what you are adding it to.”
Light Hearted & Bitter Love | David Branch
Light Hearted: Kástra Elión Vodka, Tempus Fugit Gran Classico, Don Ciccio Finochieto, Grapefruit, Lime, Tonic
Bitter Love: Kástra Elión Vodka, Malort, Manzanilla Sherry, Cap Corse Rouge, Dolin Comoz Blanc
By: David Branch, Chicago, The Violet Hour
These two cocktails, crafted by David Branch and presented by Lisa Lauck, offered a spectrum of flavors. Light Hearted was a refreshing blend of citrus and herbal notes, while Bitter Love showcased a complex and bold profile, demonstrating the versatility of Kástra Elión Vodka.
Lauck says, “What is like about Kástra is that it’s rare to find a vodka with an opinion. With its salinity notes and beautiful silicon texture it does more than other vodkas in the market when it’s added to a cocktail…and it just kills in martinis.”
Already Counting Down to Next Year
The Bartender's Weekend Palm Springs Desert Escape, brought to life by Kástra Elión Vodka, proved to be a celebration not only of outstanding cocktails but also of the bartending community. It's events like these that remind us of the creativity, talent, and camaraderie that flourish within the world of mixology. Cheers to the Kástra team and the bartenders who made this Bartender’s Weekend unforgettable!
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About Kástra
Kástra Elión Vodka, a brand known for its dedication to craftsmanship and quality, presents a vodka experience that transcends the ordinary. Rooted in Greece's rich distillation traditions, Kástra Elión Vodka stands as a testament to time-honored techniques and a commitment to excellence. Their website, a digital gateway to this world of premium spirits, invites visitors to explore the brand's heritage, production process, and the signature smoothness that defines their vodka. With a strong emphasis on purity and taste, Kástra Elión Vodka takes pride in its unique blend of Greek wheat and pristine mountain spring water, offering a vodka of exceptional clarity and character. Whether you're a connoisseur or a novice, their website serves as an insightful guide to the artistry behind their vodka, inviting you to savor the spirit of Greece in every sip.
About Bartenders Weekend
Bartenders Weekend Palm Springs Desert Escape is an annual gathering that brings together bartenders from across the country for an immersive and inspiring experience. Hosted in the picturesque setting of Palm Springs, California, this event is a celebration of the art of mixology and the camaraderie of the bartending community.
Attendees have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, participate in cocktail competitions, and explore the latest trends in the world of spirits and cocktails. With a focus on education, creativity, and collaboration, Bartenders Weekend provides a platform for bartenders to hone their craft, exchange ideas, and forge lasting connections.
About Arrive Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant desert oasis of Palm Springs, Arrive Hotel offers an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. This boutique hotel embodies the spirit of modern desert living with its mid-century aesthetic, inviting ambiance, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
The spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms and bungalows provide a comfortable retreat, while the lush, beautifully landscaped courtyard and pool area create an oasis of tranquility.
Arrive Hotel also boasts an array of on-site dining options, making it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you're lounging by the pool, exploring the nearby attractions, or savoring culinary delights, Arrive Hotel promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of Palm Springs.