by Lawanda Maxwell
West Houston Association created 3 signature cocktails to host this seasons virtual happy hour events. On April 8th, WHA hosted a virtual happy hour with Class 4 and Class 5 of the Rising Leaders Program to share “pitch pages” for cross-industry mentorship opportunities and pub trivia fun. President Augustus “Auggie” Campbell and brother-in-law, Master Mixologist and Consultant, Pip Cardnell, created 3 signature cocktails in a how-to video (one of which changes color while mixing).
The first hour of the virtual happy hour was dedicated to introductions via “pitch page” presentations that accentuated the professional experience and interests of class members among the West Houston Association leadership team. 16 members attended, including Chairman of the Board, Heath Melton. After presentations, Rising Leaders were challenged on their knowledge of sports, movies, current events, and the West Houston Association via a pub quiz. The competition was fierce. Several members neared first place, however, it was Harry Thompson from ABHR that came out as the victor.
GoodBye Hello Virtual Happy Hour and Pub Quiz
On May 20th, West Houston Association will host another Happy Hour in honor of the upcoming CEO/President transition. This event will be a coming together of membership to welcome the new CEO, say goodbye to Auggie, and to have some fun despite the current quarantine environment. The first hour will be dedicated to networking and drinking. The second hour will be dedicated to the pub quiz. This time, WHA is allowing up to 20 teams of 5 people for $50 per team. Registration is open.
Membership is encouraged to create one of the signature Quarantini’s below for the event.
Drink #1: Code Red Isolation Gin & Tonic
- Ice
- 2 oz of Sloe Gin
- .75 oz Italicus
- Elderberry Tonic Water
Pour the Gin and Italics over ice and top off with tonic.
Drink #2: Feeling Blue Spanish Gin & Tonic
This one changes color.
Peppercorns and rosemary (other options: Juniper, ginger, sage, thyme, pomegranate).
The idea is to make a really fragrant gin & tonic
- Ice
- Peppercorn and Fresh Rosemary
- Empress 1908 Gin
- Indian Tonic Water
- Angostura bitters
Fill a large bowled wine glass with ice, 6-10 peppercorns, and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Other herbs and spices can be added at this stage to customize the drink. Add the Empress 1908 Gin, and top off with tonic.
Drink #3: Non-alcoholic Gin & Tonic
- 500ml Water
- 5 Cardamom Pods (bruise gently before use)
- 5 Whole Cloves
- 5 Juniper Berries (if available)
- ½ English Cucumber
- ½ Bunch of Mint
- ½ Bunch of Rosemary
- ½ tsp Lemon Zest
- 1 Chamomile Tea Bag
- Indian Tonic Water
Combine the herbs, spices and tea bag with the water in a large pitcher. Cover, and leave refrigerated for 2-4 hours. Pour over ice and top off with tonic.