Audio By Carbonatix
Drinking and dining are some of South Floridian’s favorite
pastimes, but these indulgences all that much better when they’re for a higher
purpose. So for anyone feeling like a Good Samaritan this Saturday, there’s Cheers
to B, a charitable mixology competition and mixer kicking off at Fort
Lauderdale’s Antique Car Museum.
The evening serves to benefit B the Difference, a neurofibromatosis (NF) charity dedicated to the memory
of Brandon Merritt, a 22-year-old South Florida native who died from the
disease last year. 100% of the proceeds will go toward the Children’s Tumor
Foundation, ultimately, to help find a cure for NF.
“Brandon was an amazing person with the biggest heart and smile who would do anything for anybody. His love and compassion for his family and friends was 110%. He touched everyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with him,” said Jackie Eisen, Co-Producer of the event along with Brandon’s sisters, Stephanie and Jessica Merritt.
As far as food details, the feast will include carving stations, meatballs, lamb chops, mini hot dogs, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, cheese platters, cold appetizers, pastas and desserts galore. They’ll also feature five mixology stations (featuring Double Cross vodka), each pouring a cocktail created just for the event.
These include:
Cucumber Mint by Marriott Harbor Beach: Double Cross Vodka infused with Cucumbers and Mint
Ortanique Lychee Martini by Gilbert Velilla: Double Cross Vodka, Lychee Juice, Lychee Liqueur
Cooper Avenue Carpathian Cooler by Cricket Nelson: Double Cross Vodka, Ginger Liqueur, Pear Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, Riesling, Served with a splash of club soda
Haven by Isaac Grillo: Double Cross Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, Fresh Basil, Served with a splash of Cranberry Juice
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink Market Special by Ryan Goodspeed: Double Cross Vodka, Cranberries, Apple Cider and Ginger Beer
Guests will get the chance to taste each creation and vote for their favorite. The winning drink will be crowned “Official Cheers to B! 2012 Cocktail.” The main bar will also feature a Double Cross Dirty Martini (served with truffled blue cheese-stuffed olives) and a Double Cross Pear Martini. The event will also include a live and silent auction component.
Sounds like there’ll be gluttonous amounts of food and drink to go around – and all for the sake of a good cause. We can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday night.
Tickets for the event run $100 per person and can be purchased at https://grow.ctf.org/CheerstoB. It runs from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum at 1527 SouthWest 1st Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
