July 6th, 2012 
(Photo Credit: Refine Mixers)
On Wednesday, June 27th Refine Mixers, the creator of the world’s first line of zero-calorie, zero-sugar, all-natural cocktail mixers, hosted a Summer Soiree that offered guests a chance to experience what Refine is all about, from the overall ambiance to each particular venue.
(Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea)
In a chic beach loft off Abbot Kinney in Venice, Calif. that happens to be the swanky headquarters of Refine Mixers, the press, taste makers and guest celebs indulged in an evening of beauty, health conscious treats and interactive mixology lessons. The lessons were lead by handsome former college athlete and founder of Refine Mixers Patrick Castles. He was accompanied by refreshingly natural beauty and journalist Ashlan Gorse of E! Entertainment. The pair’s chemistry exemplified once again the concept of Refine Mixers–fresh, natural, healthy, open, social, hip and fun.
There was no pretense, but rather an unique combination of elements of elegance, attention to the aesthetics of design, the determination inherent in the up and coming and an open youthfulness that embraces the moment at hand with honest, contagious smiles and laughter. Teamed up with Joico Hair Care of Los Angeles and catered by Abbot Kinney’s own Gjelina restaurant, this was an event to relish in and savor.
(Photo Credit: Rochelle Robinson)
Joico Hair Care not only offered a suite of luscious products, from a styling serum, regenerative mask, shampoo and conditioner to mend ends and give hair manageability and a silky natural swing, but they also set up a spa-like alcove to showcase local celebrity hairstylist and colorist George Papanikolas in action.
George and his assistant created gorgeous beachy tresses with tools of his trade and artfully crafted waterfall braids of all varieties into the guests’ locks as we sipped drinks, conversed, noshed on tasty appetizers by Gjelina and even exerted a bit of artistic expression upon the displayed canvases. They already had us feeling and looking fabulous!
Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea
Soon after, on the rooftop deck, Patrick and Ashlan led their guests through a series of mixology lessons, spotlighting four amazing drinks that topped out at approximately 100 calories each. We sat around elegant tables, set up with mixology tools and lavish bowls of necessary ingredients, while the caterers seamlessly cleared, washed and returned our shakers and refreshed our fruits, herbs and liquor.
(Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea)
As Patrick and Ashlan described and demonstrated how to create each signature drink, we passed the platters and bottles and helped each other through the process of muddling, pouring, shaking and mixing delectable drinks using Refine Mixers with fresh fruits and herbs and shots of top-of-the-line vodka, tequila and rum.
Patrick also talked with us intermittently about the history and elements of Refined Mixers. He spoke about his childhood fascination with the ritual and elegance with which his grandfather mixed drinks while talking with him. He spoke with excitement about the relationships and conversations that are forged with a drink in hand. And, he spoke of the passion for health and nutrition that has been ingrained in him throughout his life as an athlete, and the realization he made as a college rugby player that he and his friends were consuming vast amounts of Aspartame-based ingredients with their high-caloric drinks. These experiences, realizations and passions are what drove Patrick to create Refine Mixers.
With our culture’s obsession with what we look like, we’re finally starting to understand that when we put goodness into our bodies we feel better, and therefore exude a greater beauty and energy that makes others feel good too. Patrick laughed at how far we’ve come from unhealthy diet sodas and drinks, to what he’s offering now –a healthy indulgence for the drinker. Now we have an all natural, zero-calorie, zero-sugar mixer that tastes fantastic.
The final stage of the evening ended with enjoyment of a plethora of drinks and amazing salads and breads from Gjelina. From the tops of our heads, to the fresh and natural ingredients we ate and drank, to the laughter and conversation that ensued, we experienced a refined occasion that made us all feel fantastic!
Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea
The ritual of mixing a drink can be yours when you and your guests become the mixologists using Refine Mixers. Bring a new twist to your party by turning your table tops into bars with Refine’s Margarita, Cosmopolitan and Mojito Mixes. And kick-off your summer with a soiree of your own. Cheers!
