On Monday night, the Lederhosen-clad crowd gathered at Flatiron Hall as bartenders and mixologists from around the country competed for the title of 'America's Best Bartender' for Bärenjäger's 'Bee Original' Competition. Six finalists mixed, shook, stirred and poured as they competed for the $1,000 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip to Bear lin, Germany.

The all-star judging panel consisted of Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appétit Magazine; Gary Regan, Author of The Joy of Mixology; Leo Robitschek, Bar Director at Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad Hotel; Sean Kenyon, Tales of the Cocktail 2014 American Bartender of the Year, 3rd generation Barman from Denver and proprietor of Williams & Graham in Denver, and celebrity guest judge from Iron Chef, Food Network “celebrity” chef and world-renowned Executive Chef at New York City’s Butter restaurant, Alex Guarnaschelli.

With her Black Gold cocktail, Megan Bardoe of Miami, Florida stole the show. The crowd-favorite was The Sorcerer cocktail created by Michael Powers of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Congratulations to the winners! (Find the winning recipes below)

BLACK GOLD
1 part Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur
2 parts Michter's Rye Whiskey
.25 parts Suze Saveur d'autrefois
3 dashes Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters
Garnish: Filthy Food Black Cherry
In a mixing glass, add all ingredients except the cherry garnish with ice and stir. Strain
into chilled coupe. Garnish one Filthy Food Black Cherry in bottom of the glass.

THE SORCERER
.75 parts Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur
1.5 parts Johnny Walker Black
.75 parts Aperol
.75 parts Sour
4 dashes Dashfire Vintage Orange No. 1 Bitters
Garnish: Lime horseneck peel

(Photos From Left: Megan Bardoe and the Black Gold; Panel of Judges; Michael Powers and The Sorcerer)