First Annual Absinthe Cocktail Competition

Lifted Spirits Distillery is hosting its first annual Absinthe Cocktail Competition on Wednesday, October 28, at 6 PM. It's a straightforward setup: local bartenders, cocktail gurus, and absinthe aficionados all step into the ring to build a cocktail around Lifted Spirits Absinthe Verte. The judges will be scoring them on creativity, presentation, taste, and execution, so you'll see a few different takes on the same bottle side by side.

If you're not familiar with the spirit, absinthe is that high-proof, anise-flavored liqueur that's spent a good century as more of a legend than a drink. Lifted Spirits is making their own version here, and the whole competition is built around it. The competitors are coming from across the local scene—working bartenders and home enthusiasts alike—which means the drinks will range from polished professional cocktails to more experimental, home-grown ideas. Since they're all using the same base, the difference comes down to how they play with the flavors.

The competition takes place at the distillery itself, located at 1734 Cherry St. in the Crossroads Arts District. It's a good spot to spend a Wednesday evening if you're already in the neighborhood. The Crossroads is that part of town where old warehouses have been turned into galleries, restaurants, breweries, and speakeasies, so there's plenty to do around the distillery before or after the event.

It kicks off at 6 PM on Wednesday, October 28, at Lifted Spirits Distillery, 1734 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO 64108.