Local bartenders competed in the long-awaited finale of the latest Cocktail Wars cocktail competition series, the Bartender’s Choice Challenge, at Newport’s The Reef on April 20. Held safely amid COVID-19 guidelines on The Reef’s patio deck, the finale showcased the talents of local bartenders as they blended showcased spirits from event sponsor Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., including its White Squall Coastal Moonshine, and apple ciders from Vermont’s CBD Canning Co., in keeping with the “420”-themed date. Created by Newport’s John Begin, the first two events in the Cocktail Wars took place in the fall of 2020, each showcasing Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.’s Thomas Tew Rum, with the winning bartenders invited to compete in the finale: Anthony Guaetta, Twin River Casino Hotel; Joe Watt, Scratch Kitchen & Catering; and Sam Phelps. Anthony Guaetta took home first prize for his cocktail, Gas Station Sushi in Florida Is Wild. Hand sanitizer was provided by South Kingstown’s Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co.
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- Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. White Squall Coastal Moonshine was the featured spirit, along with CBD apple ciders from Vermont’s CBD Canning Co., during the finale Cocktail Wars on April 20 at The Reef.
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- Pre-competition Anthony Guaetta, Bartender, Twin River Casino Hotel; John Begin, Founder, Cocktail Wars; and Will Lord, Farmer and Partner, CBD Canning Co. and competition judge.
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- Sunset at The Reef as the competition starts.
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- Anthony Guaetta, Bartender, Twin River Casino Hotel; Joe Watt, Bartender, Scratch Kitchen & Catering; and Sam Phelps, Local Mixologist during the competition on the patio of The Reef.
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- Tastes of Anthony Guaetta’s winning cocktail, Gas Station Sushi in Florida Is Wild: a blend of Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. White Squall Coastal Moonshine, yuzu juice, Key lime juice, egg whites, Bittermens Transatlantic Modern Aromatic Bitters, dulce de leche with white chocolate, white miso and wasabi, garnished with a toasted seaweed strip.
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- Competitor Joe Watt pouring tastes of his cocktail, Huckle Apple Finn, a mix of Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. White Squall Coastal Moonshine; homemade apple butter; homemade simple syrup flavored with cinnamon, clove, anise; and lemon juice.
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- Sam Phelps presents his cocktail, Blue Moon Lemon Swizzle: Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling White Squall Coastal Moonshine, Blue Dream Apple CBD Cider, lemon juice, sugar and lavender bitters.
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- Winning Bartender Anthony Guaetta, Bartender, Twin River Casino Hotel; John Begin, Founder, Cocktail Wars; Joe Watt, Bartender, Scratch Kitchen & Catering; and Sam Phelps, Competitor.
Photos by Laura Widness.
