The legendary Dale DeGroff makes a rare behind-the-bar appearance, showing those young'uns how it's done. (Photo: Michael Anstendig)

Probably unbeknownst to you, yesterday was the 203rd anniversary of the birth of the cocktail, and what better way to celebrate than by downing terrific tipples mixed by nearly two dozen top mixologists like Dale DeGroff, Gary Regan, Dave Wondrich, Audrey Saunders and other boozy luminaries. The bacchanalian extravaganza took place at Pranna, with the proceeds benefiting the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans.

The night had a revolving roster of five “teams” of outstanding shakers, muddlers and stirrers. Each posse held court for about an hour, and each member improvised their own libations on the spot, navigating the assortment of sponsoring hooches like Plymouth gin, Hendrick’s gin, El Tesoro tequila, Belvedere vodka, BarSol pisco, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Navan liqueur, Pernod absinthe, Maker’s Mark bourbon and Yamazaki single-malt whiskey.

One of the high points was the all-female lineup of Aisha Sharpe, Julie Reiner, Charlotte Voisey, Misty Kalkofen and Erin Williams (go, girls!). Other talents behind the stick included Jason Kosmos, Allen Katz, Gardner Dunn and Leo DeGroff.

Close to 300 attendees braved the confined space, the alcohol overload and the total sensory overstimulation that the five-hour (OMFG!) event giddily provided. Here’s to the cocktail! We won’t be having another for a little while…—Michael Anstendig