Hey, all you feuding Obama lovers and Romney-ites. We know Election Day is speeding towards us, and it's already next to impossible to go a day without hearing someone ramble about Obamacare or debate over who Romney will pick as a running mate. Sometimes, it can all be a big buzzkill. But not any longer! We're cutting loose and joining the Maker's Mark Cocktail Party–and (of course) celebrating by throwing a series of awesome events going down at six of our favorite bars around town: 111 Minna, Osha Thai Embarcadero, Reed & Greenough, Wreck Room, Pete's Tavern, and Pier 23.

This is where the "party" part comes in. At each event, 7x7 will buy the first drink for the first 20 guests who register as a "Maker's VIP" at the venue, and attendees can enjoy light bites, special spirit samples, and specially-priced signature cocktails, each handcrafted by these venues for the occasion! They all take place from 6-8 pm, and are a perfect after-work pick-me-up. One thing, though: You must be 21 or older to join the festivities.

Mark our events down on your calendar:
August 2nd event at 111 Minna
August 23rd event at Osha Thai Embarcadero
September 12th event at Pete's Tavern
September 26th event at Pier 23
October 3rd event at Reed & Greenough
October 18th event at Wreck Room

Here's a taste of the delicious specialty cocktails that the talented bartenders at each of our participating venues concocted to rep the Cocktail Party.

Melissa Chang from 111 Minna
Cocktail:    The Fresh Democrat

Ingredients:

.75 oz Lemon Juice
1.5 oz Maker's 46
.5 oz Ginger Snap Liqueur
.5 oz Agave Nectar

Tou Meechukant, from Osha Thai
Cocktail: The Dark Mark Logic

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Maker Mark Bourbon
.5 oz Mango Puree
.5 oz DeKuyper Peach Schnapps 
.75 oz Lemon Juice  
.5 oz Simple Bar Syrup
Fresh Basil Leaves
Try his cocktail at the event on August 23rd.

Holly Malander, from Pete’s Tavern
Cocktail:  Maker's Mule

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Maker's Mark
Splash of lime juice
Ginger Ale
Dash of bitters
Garnished with mint leaf and lime wedge
Try her cocktail at the event on September 12th.

Aaron Minor, from Pier 23
Cocktail: Running Mate

Ingredients:

Bucket glass
Muddle 1/4 orange wedge
Fill with ice      
.75 oz Maker's Mark    
Splash O3 Orange Liqueur   
Top with ginger ale
Try his cocktail at the event on September 26th.

Joe Summa, from Reed & Greenough
Cocktail: The Vermont

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Makers
.5 oz. Cynar Artichoke Liqueur
.5 oz. Grapefruit juice
.5 oz. maple syrup
2 dashes rhubarb bitters
Try his cocktail at the event on October 3rd!

Jimi Moran, from Wreck Room
Cocktail:  Kentucky Margarita  

Ingredients:

1 oz Makers Mark
1 oz Tres Generaciones Plata
.75 oz fresh lime juice
.5 oz agave nectar
.25 oz DeKuyper Triple sec
Shake and serve over fresh ice
Try his cocktail at the event on October 18th!