Patrons and Staff of The Happy Noodle in Boulder, CO have reason to be a bit “happier” today. Mark Stoddard, a mixologist at the Happy Noodles late-night alter ego The Bitter Bar, won Gold in the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup event in New Zealand.

Along with fellow team members Todd Thrasher of Washington, D.C. and Sean Hoard of New York City, Team USA beat out 21 other bartenders from 7 other countries. The event occurred over the past 5 days and consisted of outlandish cocktail challenges involving bungee jumping and boat racing.

Stoddard won two preliminary competitions in Denver and New York City respectively to make the 3 person team competing for the Cup in New Zealand. Winning the Gold Cup is a huge accomplishment for Stoddard and The Bitter Bar as it puts Boulder on the map as one of the top places in the world to obtain a craft cocktail that’s perfectly prepared.

In just over a year, owner and mixologist James Lee, along with Stoddard’s help, have established The Bitter Bar as one of the premiere bars in the country. Operating, tongue and cheek, with a true speakeasy atmosphere, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place to lounge and enjoy the conversation and company of friends while enjoying a “Gold” standard hand-crafted cocktail.

More photos . . .