Commercial Free, OKRA and El Gran Malo Are Giving People Lots of Good Reasons to Drink This Week

DOWNTOWN— In order to raise funds for the renovation of their upcoming Charity Saloon, OKRA will open their bar this Friday and Saturday from 3:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. All drink sales will go towards the renovation project. OKRA members such as Anvil's Bobby Heugel, Grand Prize's Brad Moore and Poison Girl's Scott Repass will work the event. Although the historic space may have a speakeasy vibe, patrons need not fear the cops. The event will operate under Anvil's catering license. With almost 400 affirmative responses to a Facebook invite, it should be quite a party. [Eaterwire]

MIDTOWN— Tomorrow night at Grand Prize looks like a good time. First, Yaki Snack Attack's Austin King and Bernie's Burger Bus owner Justin Turner are collaborating to create a menu of dim sum dishes. Upstairs, bartender Alex Gregg's weekly Commercial Free event will be devoted to helping Double Trouble's Lindsay Heffron prepare to compete in the finals of the Bombay Saphire Most Imaginative Bartender contest that are being held next month in Las Vegas. All patrons are encouraged to try and stump Heffron by bringing a non-alcoholic ingredient for her to blend with Bombay Saphire gin. In addition, the regular Commercial Free team will feature drinks from Ted Haigh's (aka Dr. Cocktail) Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails. [Eaterwire]

HEIGHTS— Gastro-cantina El Gran Malo will celebrate its one year anniversary this Sunday August 26 from 11:00 a.m. until midnight. To celebrate, they will be launching a new cocktail menu that will include; the Gypsy Rose- watermelon infused tequila, cucumber, pomegranate and bubbles; The Dirt Bag- mezcal, canton ginger, grapefruit, cucumber, ginger beer; The Peach Julep- classic julep with cinnamon-peach infused tequila; and The Desert Daisy- sotol, green chartreuse, lime, soda and many more. In addition, guests can play Loteria for prizes. Finally, there will be a piñata. [Eaterwire]