LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Perfect weather and delicious cocktails make Art of Mixology a hit


First place Mixologist of the Year 2023, Maxwell Freise from Wildseed, San Francisco for his cocktail, "Trippin to Manhattan." Photo Sora O'Doherty

Fifteen bartenders wove their magic under clear, warm skies on Oct. 14, winning cash prizes and raising almost $15,000 for The Lamorinda Arts Council. In addition to the craft cocktails, the 10th annual Art of Mixology competition featured four restaurants serving food to the 275 attendees.

First place Mixologist of the Year was won by Maxwell Freise of Wildseed in San Francisco for his cocktail, "Trippin to Manhattan." Freise took home the trophy and $500. Second Place Mixologist award winner Giuseppe Alagna, of Benvenuti Ristorante in Walnut Creek for "Sympathy for Nature," went home with a certificate and $300. In addition, a certificate and $150 went to Bells Hellman of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club in Oakland, for her creation: "Super Sun."

"Snow Way It's Fall Already" garnered Cynthia Songco of Casa Orinda a trophy and $200 as the Audience Award winner, and the Top Amateur Award went to Spencer Padgett of Danville for his cocktail, "Ahead of the (Bell) Curve." Padgett took home a trophy and $100.

Another local favorite, Jeremy Schlachter, of Canyon Club, Moraga, received the trophy for the Art of Table Staging for the cocktail entry, "Sandlot Treehouse Old Fashioned." Joy in Motion provided an entertaining flash mob before the awards ceremony.

The Masters of Ceremonies for the evening were Diane Dwyer of Compass Real Estate and Justin Cole of Joy in Motion. The competition was judged by Orinda residents David Roth of Trefethen Family Vinyards, Haley Moore, a nationally acclaimed sommelier, Shweta Srivastava, a local artist and foodies and two-time winner of the Best Amateur at the Art of Mixology. They were joined by provisional set designers and scenic artists, Fernando Ochoa Beltran and Ryan Smith.