Drink is the Bee's Knees
Bee's Knees owner Hilary Mann and bar manager Ramon Herman stand with Bartender's Ball awards and the winning drink called Sunshine and Sunbeams.
Photo Courtesy Hilary Mann
COEUR d’ALENE — The Bee’s Knees Whiskey Bar out of Hayden came away from the 12th annual Bartender’s Ball as champions.
Hilary Mann, owner of the Bee’s Knees, said to prepare for the March 2 contest at the Coeur d'Alene Casino they were given ingredients and two weeks to create a fresh cocktail.
She said their concoction, “Sunshine and Sunbeams,” blends rye whiskey, whipped vodka, almond liqueur, fresh lemon and egg white. The drink is then topped with edible gold glitter to make it shimmer.
They brought home both the Judge’s Choice and the People’s Choice Awards, earning them the championship plaque as well.
The drink was also added to the bar’s menu after the competition.
The ball also brings donations together for Help Every Little Paw, a local nonprofit that helps animals.
Mann said her business has been part of the ball for four years.
“It was a no-brainer when we started participating,” Mann said. “We are animal lovers out here, so joining an effort that helps area pets was immediate for us.”
Andrew Byrd, a board member for the nonprofit, said although there are trophies awarded, the community wins.
“The obvious winners are here at the contest, but the donations raised will help a lot of local animals and businesses," he said.
Holly Hansen, co-founder and board president of Help Every Little Paw, said the Bartender's Ball raised over $35,000 and brought in 2,750 pounds in pet food donations.
“We have an extremely generous community that really shows up to support us,” Hansen said.
She said the group focuses on helping companion animals, so some of the funding is put aside for emergency medical pet care.
“Some of our clients are people on a fixed income and their pets are everything to them,” Hansen said. “So, if the animals need vet care and the owners can’t afford it, we step in to help make sure these people can care for and keep their companions.”
Hansen said the goal is to continue growing the event and developing more community partnerships.
“The bigger we get, the more animals we can help,” Hansen said.