“No one looks back on their life and remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep.” An unattributed quote that sums up the attitude over the last few weeks at the top of the Jersey Shore in Red Bank. There’s  been an on-going party that began last weekend and continues through this up coming weekend.

Bartenders have been demonstrating their creative talents with the sponsorship of famous spirits such as Leaf Vodka, Hendricks Gin and Lairds Applejack. With sometimes outrageous and often unique new recipe combinations, bars, restaurants, and lounges are encouraging tipplers to try new libations. Who is behind this fun, adult party week? Red Bank Flavour, an alliance of area restaurants, put together this event.

The mix-off at Taste, on Bridge Ave. in Red Bank, was sponsored by Laird’s Applejack. The requested five dollar donation at the door was to the benefit of Lunch Break, also in Red Bank.

Many of the cocktails had a seasonally-forward inspiration. Autumn leaves and harvest themes were seen on the tables with tiny medicine cup sized samples. Cinnamon, apples, and herbal mixtures all added to the cooler weather feeling that the sweet sips evoked.

Appetizers and passed around hors d’oeuvres were a mixture of expected and interesting. Red restaurant and lounge put out a spread of crudite with dip, hummus with pita, and Caprese sandwiches. The one-bite crab cakes hit with a dollop of sriracha  infused mayo, and petite steak over creamed spinach served on bits of garlic bread open-faced sandwiches, were the more gourmet inspired offerings.

You will find more spirited festivities in several locations over the next few days. I suggest you go to Red Bank Flavour to find the map and listing of the many intoxicating options they have planned. There’s always a party going on in Red Bank, build up some stamina and join in.