Voters at the 2016 Taste of Pasadena at the Rose Bowl voted the “Julio’s Passion” from Ruth’s Chris Steak House the winner of the SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge. Pasadena’ s Cocktail of the Year won out over a/k/a Bistro’s “Spiced Mango Mule,” Clearman’s Galley’s “Wild Berry Sangria,” and the “Rye.P.A.” from White Horse Lounge. Ruth’s Chris, which won the inaugural SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge in 2012 with the “Broad Street Hurricane” is the first SIP-tember repeat winner.
“Julio’s Passion” is made from Pom Wonderful, lime juice, sour mix, Don Julio Silver, and Passionfruit Syrup, garnished with a lime twist.
The Taste of Pasadena also featured food samplings from some of the Pasadena area’s favorite restaurants. Over 400 guests enjoyed food and drink from many Pasadena favorites, including Alondra Hot Wings, Cabrera’s Restaurant, California Pizza Kitchen, Clearman’s Galley, Copenhagen Pastry, Du-Par’s, El Cholo, Farm Fresh to You, Lucky Baldwin’s Pub, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pasadena Sandwich Company, POP Champagne and Dessert Bar, Simply Cupcakes of Pasadena, Stark Spirits, Stonefire Grill, Twohey’s, White Horse Lounge, and Whole Foods Market.
Entertainment was provided by Dance Syndicate, whose DJ John had the crowd dancing all evening.
The SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge is a friendly competition among local bartenders to determine Pasadena’s Cocktail of the Year. Thirty-two drinks were entered in a head-to-head bracket competition. Over three rounds, online voters narrowed the field to the four finalist cocktails.
Restaurants that took part in the competition were: a/k/a Bistro, Alondra Hot Wings, Bar 1886 at the Raymond, Bistro 45, Clearman’s Galley, Perry’s bluRoom at the Constance Hotel, PitFire Pizza, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and White Horse Lounge.
