While knee jerk conservatives are caught up in the Tea Party frenzy of bombastic rhetoric spewing from their Palin, Beck and Trump demagogues, Casa Valentina is more ‘grass roots’ than ‘astro turf’ converged on Miami Beach to champion their respective mission.. That is to mentorthe next generation of at risk children. Casa Valentina were feted in the garden of Eden; Larry Rizzo’s Restaurant and luxe Lounge with two time James Beard recipient Christopher Lee at the helm. Casa Valentina, a non for profit social service provides safe housing while nurturing abandoned teenage girls. They held their chic gathering to build awareness and raise funds.

With masterful mixology provided by Potions in Motions; Florida’s stellar mobile bar and gourmet caterer and Eden’s inventive bartender’s Genevieve, the libations flowed freely.  Infinium Spirits, a division of Wilson Daniels sampled their Carpano Antica Formula. Sabrina Gracia Lassale, an Argentine beauty and Florida Marketing Manager of the Fratelli Branca’s Italian portfolio of liqueurs and cordials confirmed that Antonio Benedetto Carparno produced the Carpano Antica Formula in 1786 in Turin, Italy.  He is credited as the ‘inventor of vermouth’ whether the martini is shaken or stirred.

In keeping with the evening’s Eco friendly ambience; the signature cocktail just may begin a craze (move over Mojito). The frothy concoction combined a jigger of Solórzano Tequila with two ounces of Borghetti Caffe Sport espresso liqueur. Spoon in a dollop of clotted crème and crushed ice, clam up the shaker and shake violently. A dusting of powdered cocoa & a dash of cinnamon produces a creamy, coffee-chocolately cocktail that is a tad sinful. Borghetti Caffe Sport espresso liqueur is also imported from Italy by the esteemed Fratelli Branca with a 33% alcohol content and au natural ingredients it is potent without the regret of a ribald night of tequila shots. or Borghetti and More!!

Tony Torres of Single Barrel Spirits made an appearance sporting his signature ‘Sinatra’ Hemp Trilby Fedora. Making a generous donation of Solórzano Reposado Tequila, he called it “the true suave of the blue agave” (www.singlebarrelspirits.com). Solórzano harkens to a return to the authentic aged Tequila of 19th century Mexico. Solórzano and their premium brand Acumbaro are deeply rooted in a tradition of hand crafted quality and are one of the most complex artisanal liquors produced anywhere. As Tony is fond of saying, “you can sip it like a refined single malt Scotch”. “Our tequilas are rich and boast a rounded profile of Tequila flavours with a lilt of sweetness. Our portfolio is made by the oldest family owned Tequila distiller in Mexico”. Listen up Rocco and taste what you are missing.

The night’s sponsors also included contributions from Howard Helfant’s H Beverage Company, makers of Howie’s Hot Shot Ultra Premium Tomato Slammer and Skinny Z, 5 Calorie Mixers. The event was also supported by philanthropist and plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Palma, MD of the Sunrise Intracoastal Plastic Surgery Center, Ft. Lauderdale and frequent volunteer for Medicines’ Sans Frontier/Doctors Without Borders. Media sponsors included Nova Villanueva of VIPictures.com, Andrew Kutno of Potions in Motion Printing, the 19th Hole Magazine (the19thholemag.com/golf) and PlanetfashionTV.com.