Montauk's First Bartending Competition Coming Soon

MONTAUK, NY — Mixologists, cocktail masters and draft pourers are going to face off at Montauk's first-ever bartender throw-down soon.

The bartending competition takes place at George’s Lighthouse Café, 1999 Montauk Point State Parkway, on Monday, Aug. 20 from 4 p.m. to sunset.

George’s Lighthouse Café owner, Mike Torriero, said he planned the event to showcase the best that Montauk has to offer. “I wanted to create something fun for those in the industry, as well as entertaining for spectators to watch,” Torriero said. “It’s the perfect time of year to celebrate the best behind the bar.”

The event will feature multiple competitions and judges including Paul Monte and other well-known Montauk locals. Prizes will be awarded to the winners in each category. Events include the Keg Carry, Tap & Pour, where competitors must carry one keg, tap it and pour a beer. It's a timed event and the clock starts when the keg is lifted and ends when a satisfactory beer is poured.

Competitors earn five points for first place, four for second, three for third, two for fourth and one for fifth.

In the Pop & Pour, competitors will be timed while opening bottles and pouring a select number of glasses. Competitors earn five points for first place, four for second, three for third, two for fourth and one for fifth.

During the Obstacle Course competition, participants will carry their drinks through an obstacle course while being timed. Points will be awarded to the competitors with the fastest times and the least amount of alcohol spilled.

The event will also feature a Talent Competition, where individuals will show off their unique talents, which can be unrelated to bartending. Judges will score each competitor on a scale of one to ten.

To top off the evening, a competition for Best Cocktail will also be spotlighted: Competitors will be given two minutes to introduce themselves to the panel of judges and five minutes to craft and pour five cocktails using one of the sponsoring brands: Simple Vodka, Montauk Hard Label or Tanteo Tequila. Competitors will be judged on customer experience along with the aroma, taste and presentation of their cocktails.

The competition is open only to Montauk bars and restaurants; competitors must bring their own tools.

For information on how to sign up, email Mike Torriero at hello@georgeslighthousecafe.com. For additional information call George’s Lighthouse Café at (631) 668-2076.

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.