Pam Steube
The SaddleBrooke Ranch Mixology Club saddled up for a trip to the Wild West on Sept. 8, transforming the SaddleBrooke Ranch Ballroom into a spirited Western gathering filled with creative cocktails, cowboy hats, friendly competition, and plenty of laughter.
The ballroom was decked out with red bandanas and Western-themed centerpieces surrounded by poker chips and playing cards. Many guests got into the spirit, breaking out their cowboy hats, boots, bandanas, and other Western wear.
Of course, this was a Mixology Club event, so the cocktails took center stage. Our mixologist, Kelly Cardwell, demonstrated how to prepare three drinks created for the evening. First up was the refreshing Watermelon Ranch Water, a tequila-based drink that offered adventurous cowpokes the option of muddling in jalapeños for an extra kick. Next came the Judge Roy Bean, featuring a choice of Buffalo Trace rye whiskey or chocolate toffee bourbon. Rounding out the trio was the Cowboy Root Beer Float, made with Buffalo Trace whiskey, heavy cream, and vanilla. After Kelly demonstrated each cocktail, the staff took their positions at three drink stations, where guests could mosey on over and sample the evening’s creations.
The Western-themed drinks were paired with a hearty loaded baked potato bar featuring brisket and plenty of fixings—perfect fare for hungry ranch hands!
But the evening wasn’t just about food and drinks. Dozens of tiny yellow rubber duckies wearing miniature cowboy hats were hiding throughout the ballroom. Guests kept their eyes peeled during the Wild West Duck Hunt, and Eileen Wagner proved to be the sharpest duck hunter in the territory, rounding up an impressive 29 cowboy ducks to claim victory.
The competition continued with Tombstone trivia, testing just how well everyone remembered the classic Western movie. The tiebreaker was, “What does Doc Holliday say immediately after shooting Johnny Ringo?” The answer? A wonderfully brief “Bye.”
When the dust settled, Table 5 rode away with the trivia bragging rights. The winning posse included Terry and Angie Parmely, Bill and Debbie Nixon, Rob and Tess Densmore, Mark and Kathi Hanson, and Denise Carlton and Barry Feinberg.
From searching for outlaw ducks to debating Tombstone answers and deciding whether their Watermelon Ranch Water needed a little jalapeño heat, guests embraced the Wild West spirit from beginning to end.
The evening delivered exactly what makes SaddleBrooke Ranch Mixology Club gatherings so enjoyable: an opportunity to learn something new, try interesting cocktails, enjoy some good grub and—most importantly—share plenty of laughs with friends and neighbors.
By the end of the night, one thing was certain: this Wild West posse knows how to have a rootin’-tootin’ good time!