Gold Rush–themed cocktail competition wraps with community celebration at Scarlet’s and honors top bartenders across the district
After a full month of creative pours, friendly rivalries and plenty of Gold Rush flair, the 2nd annual Gold Rush Bartender Challenge officially wrapped up over the weekend as the winners were announced during a lively celebration that included participants, business owners, Historic Folsom leaders and Folsom Times at Scarlet’s in the heart of the Folsom Historic District.
Throughout February, bartenders across the district crafted original, Gold Rush–themed cocktails and invited guests to sip, sample and vote for their favorites. Patrons who tried at least six drinks could scan a QR code at participating venues to cast votes in three categories: Best Overall, Most Unique and Best Presentation. After votes were tallied at the close of the challenge, the winners were revealed during Sunday’s celebration.
Taking home the top honor of Best Overall was Zia Schwartz of Riley’s on Sutter for “Stay Golden,” a cocktail that resonated strongly with voters throughout the monthlong competition. The Most Unique award went to Sal Rodriguez of Sutter Street Steakhouse for “Kintsugi,” while Lexi Clappin of Yager’s Lodge earned Best Presentation honors for “Gold Digger.”
The celebration brought together bartenders, supporters and members of the Historic Folsom business community to toast the finalists and reflect on another successful year for the fast-growing event. Joel Warn of Powerhouse Pub and Scarlet’s — last year’s inaugural Best Overall winner — joined venue owner and challenge sponsor Murray Weaver in revealing the results and congratulating this year’s honorees. Powerhouse, which claimed the 2025 title, did not compete this year and instead hosted the winner celebration in support of the district-wide competition.
Weaver, owner of Powerhouse Pub and Scarlet’s, has helped spearhead the Historic Folsom Bartender Challenge alongside the Folsom Historic District over the past two years. Addressing the crowd Sunday, he spoke about the collaborative spirit behind the event and its growing footprint along Sutter Street.
“It travels on the path, hopefully all around Sutter Street. So that’s a cool thing,” Weaver said. “We want to thank all you guys from the restaurants — you’re our best friends. So thank you so much for helping the old Powerhouse and Scarlet’s nightclub go. As we always say, the place for fun when dinner’s done.”
Weaver also pledged continued support for the competition moving forward. “Also, next year, we will provide Powerhouse and roll the award funds for next year’s winners. So that’s our donation,” he said. “And thank you to all our people on the street. And hopefully, you know, this event just brings us all a little closer in our little community.”
Warn, who won the inaugural challenge in 2025 and sat out this year’s contest to present the awards, echoed that sentiment after revealing the winners.
“For every participant this is a win win, Not only for us as bartenders to showcase what we do behind the bar and the craft that we love, but it really ties in the whole street together as a whole,” Warn said. “It brings people into establishiments that may otherwise not have ever walked in there. That’s the bigger reason behind this whole contest.”
The enthusiasm was shared by Judy Collinsworth, executive director of the Folsom Historic District Association, who praised the talent on display throughout the month.
“The bartenders this year went above and beyond all expectations!” Collinsworth said. “Their cocktails were beautiful and so creative! We are lucky to have such talented bartenders here in the district. This event is a fun way for our busy bars and restaurants to get to know one another. It’s a very friendly competition!”
This year’s field featured a diverse lineup of bartenders and signature drinks across Historic Folsom. Troy Grossi represented Back Room at Gaslight Co. with “Mad Honey Mash,” while Ryan Vargas shook up “Refined Gold” at Gaslight Co. Jesse Clark poured “Goldminer 49er” at City Slickers, and Melissa Owen crafted “Apple Happy” at Crystal Basin Station.
Jordan Boyd entered “Fools Gold” for Fat Rabbit Public House, while John Arata presented “The Argonaut’s Claim” at Plank Craft Kitchen + Bar. Zia Schwartz’s winning “Stay Golden” represented Riley’s on Sutter, and Soda Pop Curtis offered “Pony Boy” at Samuel Horne’s Tavern.
Allie Christina competed with “Boomtown Express” at Scott’s Seafood Roundhouse, Cobe Weeks featured “Gold Bar Old Fashion” at Sutter Club, Sal Rodriguez’s “Kintsugi” earned recognition at Sutter Street Steakhouse, and Lexi Clappin dazzled voters with “Gold Digger” at Yager’s Lodge.
Together, the participants transformed Historic Folsom into a walkable cocktail trail, encouraging guests to explore multiple venues, discover new favorites and celebrate the talent behind the district’s bars. From inventive names and layered flavor profiles to eye-catching presentation, each competitor brought their own interpretation of the Gold Rush theme to life.
Now established as a February staple, the Gold Rush Bartender Challenge continues to blend competition with collaboration, reinforcing Historic Folsom’s reputation as a dynamic food and drink destination while strengthening ties among the businesses along Sutter Street. The challenge was sponsored by Powerhouse Pub, Folsom Historic District Association, Folsom Times.
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