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MOTA’s Bartender ‘Battle’ draws attention — and funding — to Third Avenue

June 28, 2024 Wayne Daren Schneiderman

Judges sampling a cocktail. From left: William McNeely, Nikki Apostolou and Alex Clark, co-founder of Fort Hamilton Distillery. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Wayne Daren Schneiderman

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BAY RIDGE — Raise your glasses!

The first Battle of the Bartenders cocktail competition took place Monday evening in the parking facility of Santander Bank (9512 Third Ave.), drawing more than 200 thirsty locals. It succeeded beyond expectations, according to Chrisie Canny, event coordinator of the Merchants of Third Avenue (MOTA) and the brainchild behind the shindig.

Bartenders from seven Bay Ridge bars participated in the competition, including The Wicked Monk, Ho’Brah, Cebu, Pippin’s Pub, Malone’s Chop House, The Kettle Black and Pour House.

Having a fine time at the Merchants of Third Avenue’s first Battle of the Bartenders.

The goal was for each bartender to create their vodka-infused drink called “The Merchant” using Fort Hamilton Distillery vodka.

It was first sampled by the audience, who would ultimately select a People’s Choice winner, and then prepared for three judges, who would eventually crown the Battle of the Bartenders champion.

Eddie Sarkis and Mike McLaughlin provided musical entertainment for the evening.

William McNeely, one of the event’s judges, said that what he looks for in a winning drink are layers of flavor like you would find in food.

“But everything should also be relatively equal, and no one taste should overpower another,” McNeely noted.

From left: Daniel Texeira, Keith Olsen, bartender at Pippin’s Pub, William McNeely and Steve Oliver, owner of Pippin’s.

McNeely, a “Bay Ridgian” and retired NYPD detective, was recently featured on Netflix’s “Homicide New York” for his work on the Carnegie Deli Murders.

Once the winning drink was selected, it would be available in all seven competing bars for sale. A percentage of the sale will be donated to the MOTA for its continued beautification projects along Third Avenue.

“We are hoping to raise a lot of money today, perhaps in the ballpark of $10,000,” Canny said. “This is a huge kick-off to summer and a great way to bring the community together and draw attention and business to Third Avenue.”

The winner takes it all! Klevis Salija (center), bartender at Malone’s Chop House, who took home first prize.

Daniel Texeira, MOTA president, pointed out that Monday’s festivities harkened to decades past.

“The way Bay Ridge used to be,” he said. “It reminds me of the late ‘60s and ‘70s when all the bars and restaurants used to get together, have golf outings, and just support each other.”

Texeira referred to Third Avenue as “the jewel of Bay Ridge.”

Hundreds of people were in attendance at Monday’s event.

In the end, Malone’s Chop House snared first prize with a beverage created by bartender Klevis Salija.

“I chose to make a blueberry lavender-infused drink with lemon, orange and lime juices, egg whites and, of course, Fort Hamilton vodka,” Salija explained.

Salija, from Albania, came to Bay Ridge four years ago and has been in the bar business for 12 years.

“It feels amazing to win,” he said. “When great things happen in our neighborhood, it’s a wonderful thing for everybody.”

Cebu’s Elizabeth Arias handing a drink to a waiting patron.

Cebu took the People’s Choice award with Elizabeth Arias’ beverage consisting of Fort Hamilton Fortess vodka, Barrow’s Intense ginger liqueur, angostura bitters, ginger beer, mint, lime and cucumber.

“While this is the first time this ‘Battle’ is being done,” Texeira said. “I’m sure we will have another one next year and other events like this, as well. It’s a great thing for Bay Ridge.”