Manhattan Cocktail Classic

Attention all bartenders, barflies, bootleggers and boozehounds: New York City is finally getting the cocktail event it truly deserves.

The Manhattan Cocktail Classic, a multi-day event celebrating the history, contemporary culture, and artful craft of the cocktail, is holding a two day

Fall Preview this October 3 - 4

in preparation for its big unveiling of

The Manhattan Cocktail Classic, in May, 2010

Part festival, part fete, part conference, part cocktail party, the event will bring together the unparalleled talents and opportunities of the bars, bartenders, and restaurants of New York for two days of activities, both educational and celebratory in nature, championing the common ideals of authenticity, equality, sustainability, service, and pleasure.

The event is the brainchild of thirteen of the world's greatest bartenders, bar owners, writers, educators, critics, consultants, ambassadors, and generally solid folks with whom to share a drink or three.

The all-star advisory board of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic includes: Dale DeGroff, Simon Ford, Doug Frost, Allen Katz, Steven Olson, Paul Pacult, Sasha Petraske, Gary Regan, Julie Reiner, Audrey Saunders, Andy Seymour, Charlotte Voisey, and David Wondrich. Adding organization to their expertise is Lesley Townsend, former director of Astor Center, (who is admittedly far more skilled at consuming cocktails than making them).

For more information, visit the website at www.manhattancocktailclassic.com.