Combine incredible February weather with some of the finest spirits and food from local restaurants in one of South Florida’s beautiful locales and you have the makings of a great Saturday afternoon.

And so it was with Mixology: The Craft Spirits Event, held from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton. Hosted by Boca Raton’s own Kapow restaurant, Mixology was a celebration of Bourbon, Whiskey, Tequila and the requisite cocktail possibilities of each. With just under 30 spirit vendors on scene and food samples from Kapow and The Little Chalet, there was something for everyone – including a Montecristo “Cigar Lounge.”

We decided to focus our attention on Whiskey and Bourbon sampling, which was, by far, the most abundant at this event. Highlights were the High West Rendezvous Rye and the Double Rye; Irish whiskey from Tullamore Dew; the Compass Box Spice Tree Whisky (delicious); as well as the Whistle Pig 10-Year Whiskey and by far our favorite Bourbon of late, Widow Jane. Pours were moderate, but patrons were encouraged to try offerings at each station more than once, if they so desired. We did, of course.

We both enjoyed the Gin samples from Brooklyn Gin, a small batch maker that calls itself “Fresh American Gin” and was named one of the best Gins by GQ magazine. Even if you don’t consider yourself a Gin drinker, this citrus forward Gin with strong floral notes might make you a convert.

There were several hundred attendees, though it never felt overly crowded. Lines were relatively short at most of the stations, though food items seemed to take a bit longer to prepare, which is understandable when only one or two chefs are preparing samples for so many hungry patrons. The Small Chalet’s short rib sampler was amazing, as was Kapow’s Chicken Fried Rice.

Given that this is the first year of the event, I would consider it a success for Kapow and Mizner Park in general. People had a great time, and like we said at the beginning, when you combine great spirits and food with spectacular weather, you have a recipe for a fun event. Cheers to Kapow and everyone involved with putting on Mixology: The Craft Spirits Event.