450 people were on hand to crown The Forbidden created by Jason Yu of White Horse Lounge as Pasadena's Cocktail of the Year 2015 at the Taste of Pasadena and SIP-tember Finale at the Rose Bowl on Thursday, September 24, 2015.

The Forbidden was a very close choice over the dusutD2 hotel constance pasadena’s bluRoom Mojito, Green Street Restaurant’s Dos Amigos and the Appellation from Alondra Hot Wings. In all nearly 300 voters weighed in to decide Pasadena's Favorite Cocktail 2015. Twelve votes separated the winning cocktail from the least vote getter in the SIP-tember Finale.

The Forbidden, created by mixologist Jason Yu at White Horse Lounge in Old Pasadena starts with an absinthe wash then organic maple syrup,

The Forbidden from White Horse Lounge was named Cocktail of the Year 2015.
organic fresh squeezed lemon juice, egg white, Templeton rye whiskey and grapefruit bitters are shaken and served in a coupe glass.

Dance Syndicate provided DJ services and musical entertainment at the Taste of Pasadena, to the delight all in attendance.

In addition to the drink competitors, two dozen Pasadena restaurants, caterers and bakeries provided food samples to guests at the event.

Highlights included the tamales from El Cholo, mac and cheese from Twohey’s, hot wings from Alondra and craft beer and steak pie from Lucky Baldwin’s Pubs. A favorite were the spring rolls from One Veg World and tacos from Del Frisco’s Grille. Green Street Restaurant’s signature zucchini bread and Dianne Salad were also highlights among guests at the Taste of Pasadena as was Celestino’s gazpacho and delights from The Walrus and the Hedgehog.  

POP Champagne and Dessert Bar delighted guests with their freshly squeezed Mimosa. Another crowd pleasing cocktail was served by Magnolia House. It was The Forbidden from White Horse Lounge that was the libation of the event. Creator Jason Yu began the cocktail with an absinthe wash and lemon rind that was set afire. The remaining ingredients were shaken together and served chilled.  

Desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes and Rita’s Italian Ice were favorites along with fresh beverages from Nekter Juice Bar.

Restaurants participating were:

  • Alondra Hot Wings
  • Celestino Ristorante
  • Clearmans Galley
  • Del Frisco's Grille
  • Du-par's
  • El Cholo Café
  • Green Street Restaurant
  • Hope Café & Catering
  • Lucky Baldwins Pubs
  • Madeline Garden
  • Magnolia House
  • Nekter Juice Bar
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes
  • One Veg World
  • Papa Nacca's Jerky
  • Pasadena Sandwich Company
  • POP Champagne & Dessert Bar
  • Rita's Italian Ice
  • Stonefire Grill
  • The Walrus and the Hedgehog
  •  Twohey's
  • White Horse Lounge

Businesses represented as table sponsors were:

  • Arthur Murray  Pasadena
  • Bowlmor AMF 
  • Eagle Star Security
  • Mary Kay Cosmetics  
  • Dance Syndicate

SIP-tember: a Celebration of the Cocktail is presented by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. The City of Pasadena sponsors Pasadena Restaurant Week events. The Rose Bowl very generously provides space for the Taste of Pasadena on the Court of Champions under the iconic neon sign.

SIP-tember: a Celebration of the Cocktail and the Taste of Pasadena are Pasadena Restaurant Week events presented by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.