Good Libations:

By Jay Miller
Staff Writer

If you are not familiar with the Cocktail Showdown here is a little information to catch you up to speed. There are four judges who are self proclaimed drink experts heading out into the city to find the most creative libations. We visit up to four establishments a week, judging on three simple categories: presentation, creativity and flavor. The goal is to connect the readers of the HPR to Fargo - Moorhead’s best mixologists and their concoctions.

The Radisson
Cocktail: Hanger One Spiced Pear Cider- Creator: Pete Hoffman
A drink crafted from the marriage of spices, the housed mulled cider, to the topping of the fresh whipped cream. This drink will warm you up quickly while only using the best in product. $6

Shot: Hanger One Chipolte Smoke bomb- Creator: Paul McMahon
Spicy and Smokey Vodka sweetened with Agave Nectar, Lime Juice and finished with freshly Ground Black Pepper. $5

John Alexander’s Restaurant & Martini Bar
Cocktail: The French Pear
Light, crisp and very refreshing, a combination of the all-natural elderflower liqueur St. Germain with Grey Goose Pear and a squeeze of lime. Shaken and served up in martini glass. $9

John Alexander’s Lounge (Formerly the Latin Bar)
Cocktail: Pomerita Fishbowl- Creator: The Lounge Staff
This drink was made for more than one person and we highly suggest 2 - 4 straws. High quality products such as Milagro Silver Tequila, Poma Liqueur, Cointreau and a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Finished with a variety of fruits and cranberry juice. $21

Shot: Crimson Kiss
A Lounge favorite by the customers, this shot will get you going. A mix of Crown Royal, X-Rated, Peach Schnapps and Cranberry Juice. $5

Fargo Billiards and Gastropub
Cocktail: Sierra del Fuego- Creators: Ben Hill & Kyle Rudolf
If you love spicy Bloody Mary’s, this is the drink for you! But beware, this is not for the faint of heart. Effen Cucumber Vodka starts off this “once around the kitchen” well thought out Bloody. One quick note: ask for the Hefeweizen Widmer for your beer chaser, it pairs well! $5.00 with the chaser.

Lucky 13 Pub
Cocktail: Rockstar Martini- Creator: Chris Staloch
Can I say a drink with Pop Rocks! This is the biggest seller at Fargo’s newest pub, it’s blue, it’s fun and goes down way to easy. With a rimmed glass of the world’s greatest candy I am really not going to get into the mixology of this drink, but I do remember saying Pop Rocks makes any drink great! $7

Shot: Avatar Nipple- Creator: Chris Staloch
What’s purple in the middle and blue all around? A little Ice Hole Exotic and Chambord, finished and dropped with Liquid Ice. $6

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