On a cold, blustery Saturday in February, more than 300 guests were transported to 1960s London for the third annual Perfect Pour Craft Cocktail Competition benefiting Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.
This year’s event transformed the Slowdown in Omaha into a groovy party featuring authentic British pub fare, beloved Beatles tunes performed by the Come Together Band, and a plethora of creative cocktails dreamed up by our top 8 qualifying bartenders featuring Plymouth Gin.
Attendees were able to vote for their favorite bartenders; bid on silent auction items including Omaha period prints, custom artwork, and photography from local artists; and throw their hats in the raffle ring to win one of four fabulous prizes, including an English-inspired tea cart filled with essentials for a British tea party.
The craft cocktail competition was especially fierce this year. The finalists included Michael Stelzner from Lincoln’s The Other Room, Toni Weixelman from Jake’s Cigars in Lincoln, Paul Zahn from Le Bouillon in the Old Market, Linda Lichtenwalter from Omaha’s Trap Room, Darrell Loo from Repeal 18th in Kansas City, Deion Bass and Brian Heese from Omaha’s Monarch Prime & Bar, and Christen Kotschwar from Trio: Cocktails and Company in Omaha.
The Judges’ Choice award, selected by judges from the Nebraska Chapter of the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild, went to Darrell Loo for his delightful, refreshing “Winter Blossom” cocktail. The People’s Choice award was bestowed upon Christen Kotschwar for her innovative, unexpected “Sweet Pepper Skiffle” cocktail.
From the creative cocktails to the delicious food – which included made-to-order bangers and mash! – to the packed dance floor, Perfect Pour 2018 was full of fun, laughter, and generous support of Nebraska Children’s mission to cultivate the good life for all children in our great state.
And of course, none of it would’ve been possible without the tireless efforts of the Friends of Nebraska Children group, a long list of generous sponsors, and the faithful supporters who keep Nebraska Children’s work moving forward every day. Thank you all!
Nebraska Children's mission is to maximize the potential of Nebraska’s children, youth, and families through collaboration and community-centered impact.
Growing the Good Life 
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