The United Way of Southington, in collaboration with Connecticut Distributors, Inc., and William Grant & Sons, hosted the second Southington Cocktail Competition at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville on May 21. Sponsored by Southington’s Worldwide Wine & Spirits, William Grant & Sons, Ion Bank and Wisniowski & Sullivan LLC, the event showcased the talents of bar teams from 29 venues in town, with each creating a craft cocktail featuring spirits from the William Grant & Sons portfolio: Reyka Vodka, Hendrick’s Gin, Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin, Hudson Whiskey NY and Milagro Silver Tequila. Guests enjoyed cocktail demonstrations, sampled tastes and voted on their favorites. Creations were also rated by a panel of judges: Anthony DeSerio, Dr. Booze CT; Steve Slota, Retail Division Manager, CDI; and Mike Mills, Lead Bartender, The Crow’s Nest at The Wharf Restaurant at Madison Beach Hotel. The Judge’s winners were: Best Overall: 1. Smokin’ with Chris 2. 75 Center 3. The Manhattan and Honorable Mention: Fable Underworld. People’s Choice Taste winners were: 1. Morava 2. Back Nine Tavern. People’s Choice Creative winners were: 1. Bird Dog BBQ and 2. Smokin’ with Chris. People’s Choice Presentation winners were: 1. 75 Center and 2. Dial 9 Prohibition Bar. All proceeds from the event benefited the United Way of Southington.
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- The United Way of Southington, in collaboration with Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI), and William Grant & Sons, hosted the second Southington Cocktail Competition at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville on May 21.
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- Reyka Vodka, Hendrick’s Gin, Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin, Hudson Whiskey NY and Milagro Silver Tequila.
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- Steve Slota, Retail Division Manager, CDI; Mike Mills, Lead Bartender, The Crow’s Nest at The Wharf Restaurant at Madison Beach Hotel; and Anthony DeSerio, Dr. Booze CT.
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- The winning team from Smokin’ with Chris: Justine Drost, Chris Conlon and Calvin Ferguson Jr.
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- McKenna Trunk and Dan Martins, 75 Center.
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- Yuri Barrientos and Renee Strother, The Manhattan.
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- Dayna Kasprzycki and Tina Parziale, Fable Underworld.
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- Kara Robinson and Mateo Palo, Morava Restaurant & Bar.
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- Carmela Stewart and Jackie Smiles, Back Nine Tavern.
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- Ryan McDonald, Bird Dog BBQ.
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- Trina Gallo, Emily Amato and Harrison Engstrom, Dial 9 Prohibition Bar.
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- Megan Gagnon and Bryan Sola, Plan B Southington.
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- Andrew Marcello, Smoke & Muddle Bar & Restaurant with the That’s My Jam cocktail.
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- Nicole Gavin, Justin Ross and Raven Rodrigues, Wood-n-Tap.
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- Joe Cellini, Noto Americano.
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- Mike Petrella and Marissa Hill, Outback Steakhouse.
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- Ashley Lynn and Faith Knell, GameCraft Arcade.
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- Crystal Chamberlain, Bar Manager, The Groggy Frogg.
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- Cynthia Concepcion, Jennie Ward and Carter Rudin, The Salty Dog Tavern.
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- Leah Kennedy, Blackstone Irish Pub.
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- Amanda Rock, Kendra Hayes and Kate Leber, Ellie’s Farmhouse.
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- Sarah Appleby, Worldwide Wine & Spirits with a Spicy Blood Orange Margarita cocktail.
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- Matt Biondo and Dina Beecher, El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant & Cantina.
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- Matt Schneider, The Crafted Cocktail Mobile Bar.
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- Amanda Marcantonio, Sliders with the Guava Margarita.
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- Magda Hernandez, Alex Hernandez and Mayra Rodriguez, Craft Kitchen.
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- Amanda Morelli, Erin LaRosa and Jenn Lebel, New Mill Restaurant.
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- Riley Trowbridge and Melissa Buggs, Anthony Jacks.
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- Brand Ambassador Morgan Blaunt showcasing Milagro Silver Tequila.
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- Luisa and Kristine DelGado with the Northern Lights Berry Delight cocktail.
