Local bartenders to mix up specialties for Barton fundraiser

Sample Tahoe’s newest cocktail creations at the sixth annual Signature Cocktail Contest. Hosted by the Barton Foundation, the community event will take place Wednesday, September 23 at the Riva Grill at 5:30 p.m.

Contest attendees can sample an assortment of cocktails created by Tahoe mixologists who are comprised of bartenders from local establishments, each showcase a unique concoction with Tahoe Blue Vodka and have been known to add less traditional ingredients like cotton candy or potato chips.

Guests vote on the tastiest drink, and the cocktail with the most votes is served at the Barton Foundation’s Gala in December. In 2014, MontBleu’s bartender Ken Newbold won the People’s Choice award for “Holidaze,” a mix of smoked Tahoe Blue Vodka, infused hops, and homemade cranberry juice.

This year, all event proceeds will help expand medical services and community programs for Barton Memorial Hospital’s Level III Trauma Center. A designated trauma center guarantees coordinated and expedited trauma care leading to better patient outcomes. It also includes injury prevention programs and community outreach to help prevent traumatic injuries.

“We are very fortunate to have the only designated trauma center in the Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson Valley region,” said Kindle Craig, Barton Health’s Director of Strategy and Development. “This fundraiser goes directly back to the community to support programs and services for our most critical patients.”

The contest starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends after the winners are announced at 7:45 p.m. A few of this year’s mixologists include bartenders from The Landing, Lew Mar Nels, Montbleu, Riva Grill, and Tahoe Beach Retreat. The event is a kickoff for the Foundation’s Festival of Trees and Lights in December.

Attendees must be 21 or older. Tickets can be purchased online at bartonhealth.org/cocktail or by calling 530.543.5909. Admission, which includes cocktail samples, heavy appetizers, and music by Jesse Kalin, is $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the event. Riva Grill is located at 900 Ski Run Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe.