We went to another History Happy Hour, this one titled "Global Spirits: American Cocktails" at the National Archives, where top mixologists were tasked with creating an original cocktail inspired by classic American libations. As the bartenders blended their concoction for judges to taste, they described how they were inspired to create a modern take on an American classic. We snapped Shaun Stewart representing Jägermeister, Megan Barnes representing Rhum Clement, Paul Blumer representing Singani 63 and Jacob Gragg representing Florio Marsala.

The event was hosted by the National Archives Foundation and The Tasting Panel Magazine and kicked off several days of festivities celebrating the Fourth of July. After the competition, guests had the opportunity to taste exclusive cocktails created by eight of the top bartenders from around the country. Here, competition judges, Tasting Panel’s Meridith May, AOTUS’ David Ferriero and famed DC bartender Duane Sylvestre, sample the mixologists’ work during a taste testing.

The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs and educational initiatives. And here are the cocktail competition winners — Aaron Joseph representing Papa's Pilar Rum receiving first place, Mary Kelly representing Sagamore Rye winning second place and Amie Ward representing Rosa 22 receiving third place.