Meet the Mixologists: Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball Preview

Oct. 29, 2014

Wirtz Beverage Group is a proud sponsor of the Meals on Wheels Chicago 2014 Celebrity Chef Ball. Each year, this event brings together some of Chicago's brightest culinary stars to create one-of-a-kind dishes paired with exclusive cocktails prepared by celebrated mixologists. Tickets to the VIP Chef’s Table are still available.

Meals on Wheels Chicago provides our city’s senior citizens and individuals with disabilities with home-delivered meals to help them maintain an independent lifestyle. We’re thrilled to join our partner, Hendrick’s Gin, in bringing together some of Chicago’s most talented mixologists.

Learn more about what they’ll be stirring-up at the Celebrity Chef Ball on November 7th below.

Alex Renshaw, Head Bartender at DrumBar

"I'm happy to join in once again to help support a great cause and pay it forward.  Who can't get behind helping keep our nation's seniors healthy and safe?"

CCB Cocktail: "Power Lunch"

2 oz Hendrick’s Gin
.75 oz strawberry syrup 
.75 oz fresh lemon juice
2 dashes white wine vinegar
5 arugula leaves

John Stanton, Cocktail Co-Director at Sable Kitchen and Bar

"As the grandson of a woman who is about to turn 104, and has only recently moved into an assisted living facility, I fully appreciate those that dedicate their lives to helping people retain their independence. I know it meant the world to my grandmother to stay in her own home, and a large reason she was able to do so for as long as she did was the charitable assistance of others. I'm grateful to be part of an event that will help others retain just such independence."

CCB Cocktail: "Rose Parade"

2 oz Hendrick's gin
1/2 oz Cocchi Rosa
1/4 oz Dolin Dry vermouth
1/4 oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao

Robby Haynes, Partner at Analogue

"To find one's self in a position to help those in need is humbling.  It's often easy to forget just how fortunate many of us in the service industry truly are. Meals on Wheels has been fighting the good fight for years now and I'm thrilled to contribute."

CCB Cocktail: "Something in the Way"

2 oz Hendrick’s Gin
.75 oz Lemon
.50 oz Wild Honey Syrup
.25 oz Ginger Syrup
1 dash Maharishi Bitters

Griffin Elliott, Head Bartender at Sepia

"Meals on Wheels is a wonderful charity that I'm grateful I can contribute to. It's an awesome event, gathering our cities finest chefs and bartenders."

2 oz Hendrick's Gin
.75 Carpano Antica
.25 Luxardo Maraschino
2 dashes Regan's Orange bitters
Orange peel spray
Lux cherry

Danny Shapiro, Co-Owner/Head Bar Dude at Scofflaw and Slippery Slope

"Always excited to make drinks for a good cause while working alongside my peers."

CCB Cocktail: Fielder's Collins

2 oz Hendrick’s Gin 
.75 oz Lemon
.5 oz Simple
.5 oz Brovo Lemon Balm Liqueur

Jeff Donahue, Managing Partner of Sportsman's Club

"I'm thrilled to return to the Meals on Wheels Chef's Ball for the second time. It's an honor and privilege to help raise support and awareness for such an important need."

CCB Cocktail: "Broadbent"

1 oz Hendrick's Gin
1 oz Linie Aquavit
1 oz Cocchi Rosa
1/4 oz Chareau Aloe Liqueur
2 dashes Regan's Orange Bitters

Garnish with lemon peel oil expressed and discard the peel

Justin Anderson of The Promontory

"I am excited to be a part of this event for a third consecutive year! This annual event allows us the rare chance to be around so many of Chicago’s most talented hospitality industry friends and leaders for an evening, but most importantly, affords us the opportunity to help promote awareness and support for a truly important cause."

CCB Cocktail: "A Cup To Catch Tears"

1 oz Hendrick's Gin
1 oz Pimm's No. 1 (fig infused)
.75 oz lemon 
.5 oz ginger syrup
.5 oz cucumber water 
Angostura Diluted/Force Carbonated 

Wade McElroy of Sportsmans Club

"I am thrilled to participate in this year's Meals on Wheels event particularly because my mother spent a lot of time volunteering for the organization while I was growing up and I was able to see firsthand the impact that the organization made on peoples' lives.  So excited I continue the family tradition of volunteering for Meals on Wheels."

CCB Cocktail: "Reckless Williams" 

1.5 oz Hendricks
.5 oz Suze
.25 oz Benedictine
.75 oz lemon
.75 oz Honey Syrup
Dash orange bitters