Bar Tab

{ BAR TAB } Bartenders’ Summer Picks

When it’s time for a cocktail, maybe you have a “usual.” But what if you let a pro surprise you?

Everyone has a go-to drink at a restaurant or bar, but trying something new can be an exciting—and delicious—experience. With countless cocktails to choose from (and some new ones you may not even know about), what will be your change-up? BERGEN asked five local mixologists for their favorite summertime sips:

“Infusions really add a lot of dimension. My favorite cocktail during summer is one I have experimented with over the years and have shared with many guests: HER MAJESTY. Gin is very versatile for herbal concoctions, and this cocktail includes Earl Grey with bergamot-oil-infused gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, homemade lavender syrup and Lillet Blanc.” —Jacqueline Donnelly, bartender, Bar Boutique, Ramsey “A popular cocktail is the WATERMELON SPLASH. The two main ingredients are watermelon cucumber juice and Tito’s vodka, and it’s easy to prepare. Muddle a sliced lime and two sprigs of mint with a dash of fresh lime juice. Next, add ice, vodka and watermelon juice, shake together and then serve it garnished with fresh watermelon. It’s the perfect refreshing cocktail for a hot day.” —Jed Kessler, mixologist,

Jed’s Party Services, Fair Lawn “My go-to summer cocktail is the PORCH SWING because it’s as easy to make as it is to sip. Simply combine an ounce of Empress gin, one half-ounce of Pama liqueur and two slapped mint leaves and top with equal parts seltzer and lemonade. It’s as refreshing as lying on a porch swing in a cool breeze.”

—Olivia Born, bartender, Stone & Rail, Glen Rock “THE REFRESHER, my own creation, is definitely my favorite summer cocktail. It has strawberry gin with cucumber and mint vodka and is delicious, especially on a hot summer day. Also, its initial creation reminds me of someone special.” —Colin Pursley, bar manager, Stern and Bow, Closter “I prefer a spicy MEZCAL MARGARITA. It’s made with mezcal, Cointreau Noir, coldpressed ginger, fresh lime juice, housemade chili agave and a cayenne pepper and salt rim. To finish, I garnish with dehydrated lime wheel. This is a great summer cocktail.” —Aaron Scanlon, bartender, The Craftsman, Fair Lawn

{ ON THE TOWN } Be There

In-person events are back in full swing! Here are 10 that are filled with fun, laughter and entertainment—and will help you safely return to normal.

JULY 11

Enjoy a summer day filled with fun activities—all for a good cause—at BERGEN CASA’S SECOND

ANNUAL “FORE THE KIDS” GOLF CLASSIC.

Starting at 9 a.m. at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, this fundraiser includes golf, giveaways, food and a silent auction. All proceeds go toward the nonprofit, which advocates and provides resources for kids in the foster care system. Tickets are $395 or $150 for the cocktail reception only. Register online at one.bidpal.net/golfcasa/welcome.

JULY 12 & 26

Join the Sierra Club’s North Jersey Chapter for a SCENIC HIKE through Palisades Interstate Park in Fort Lee. The hike will be about 3 miles at a moderate pace on level ground, and is a great way to get your steps in and meet your neighbors! The event starts at 9 a.m. each day but will be cancelled in the case of rain or if temps rise above 83 degrees. Participants should bring water, hiking boots and a friend or two. RSVP day-of (or beforehand) to team leader Buddy at buddy.jenssen@gmail.com, or visit sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ north-jersey for more details.

JULY 14

Calling all North Jersey brides (and planning-involved grooms)! Come on out to the AMERICAN BRIDAL

SHOW METLIFE STADIUM

WEDDING EXPO in East Rutherford, featuring more than 100 vendors. Many of the florists, caterers, photographers and more will offer discounts and savings, plus there will be two honeymoon giveaways. Bring your bridal party too! The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. and it’s free. Learn more at americanbride.com.

JULY 15-17

Support a bunch of young, talented dancers from area studios—and enjoy a fun, live show—at the STEP UP 2 DANCE regional competition. The groups of varying ages and dance styles will perform at the Marriott Glenpointe in Teaneck over the course of the weekend. Parents and teachers of the performers are invited, of course, but it’s open to the public too. Get the schedule, pricing and more info at stepup2dance.com.

JULY 17

Join nature enthusiasts and experts from Bergen County Audubon Society at their biggest event of the summer: BUTTERFLY DAY! Held at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this family-friendly activity features butterflies and experts who will share some fun facts about these pretty insects. There will also be a scavenger hunt, costume contests and other activities for the kids. The rain date is July 24. RSVP to Don Torino at 201.230.4983.

JULY 21

Looking for some team-building opportunities with your co-workers? Sign your company up for the CORPORATE FUN RUN NORTH JERSEY 5K at Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park. This event held from 5 to 9 p.m. features a 5K of two loops around the park, followed by a post-race party and awards. Beer, pizza and entertainment will be provided at the party. Registration is $44 per team member. Check out corporatefunrun.com for more.

JULY 15

Root, root, root for the home team when the New York Yankees take on the Boston Red Sox at

Yankee Stadium, because nothing says summer like baseball. And you can get a ride to the Bronx and meet some new friends while you’re at it if you join the 23RD ANNUAL

GILLIGAN’S ADVENTURES bus trip to the game. The bus will depart from its Paramus location at 5 p.m. sharp. $94 per person (including tax) pays for your ticket, parking, tolls and tip. Register now at gilligansadventures.com.

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JULY 24

There are a lot of concerts happening in Bergen this summer (check out Buzz on page 17 for more), but one you certainly don’t want to miss is when the

Mighty Spectrum Band brings “THE BRUCE

SHOW UNPLUGGED” to the Mahwah Library. Mike Fox and Tom Hammer will perform acoustic versions of The Boss’ biggest hits with a guitar and piano. The show begins at 2 p.m., and priority is given to Mahwah residents, but tickets are open to the public. P.S.: If you can’t make this date, they’ll also be performing at the Wyckoff YMCA on July 8, Memorial Field in Oradell on July 14 and The Shannon Rose in Ramsey on July 31! Learn more and get ticketing information at mightyspectrumband.com.

JULY 30

Come hungry (and maybe bring a lobster bib and some wet wipes) to the SEAFOOD FEST at Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford. From 5 to 11 p.m., local restaurants and food trucks will be serving summer favorites such as lobster rolls, fried clams, grilled shrimp and shrimp tacos. There will also be live horse racing starting at 6:20 p.m. Facebook. com/meadowlandsracetrack has the scoop.

AUG. 8

Try some unique varietals from some of the best wineries in the region at the DEMAREST FARMS 2022 WINE FESTIVAL. Winemakers will be there to discuss their winemaking process and offer tastings from noon to 6 p.m., plus there will be food and live music to supplement the sips. All ages are welcome, but you must be 21+ to drink. Admission is $15 per adult; learn more at demarestfarms.com.

*Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all events are subject to cancellations or changes. Attendees are encouraged to observe local safety guidelines.