COCKTAIL SHOWDOWN WINNERS!

By Nikki Berglund
Contributing Writer

BEST DRINK

The Radisson: Peter Hoffman: Hanger One Spiced Pear Cider
This was our very first drink of the contest and Peter definitely came out swinging.  After all of the wonderful cocktails we encountered on our drinking adventure this one stuck in our minds the entire trip.  The drink was just so homemade and chock full of love, we couldn’t stop thinking about it.  The cider itself was a recipe from Peter’s grandmother, and the entire drink, from the whip cream to the sprinkle of cloves on the top, was done on the spot.  Although a little time consuming, the TLC involved in this process is evident and the finished product is well worth the wait.

RUNNERS-UP: BEST DRINK
Maxwell’s: Staff: Makers Malted
Montes: Aaron Hanson: Ginger Rogers
Ushers: Aaron Duma: Mulled Wine

BEST SHOT

Rhombus Guys: Ian Dickmeyer: Pear-Ahh
Apparently the pear flavored drinks are where it’s at for the HPR judges this year. Although this is a shot, the consensus was it would be equally delightful as a drink and could definitely be a strong contender in more than one category.  Made with Absolut Pear, Remy Martin VS and splash of agave nectar all served in a Champagne glass, it truly is hard to stop with just one of these.  In fact, even during our judging we didn’t. With Ian’s careful hand this bubbly, florally, earthy wonder would be perfect before, during and after one of those big old delicious pizzas these guys have become so famous for around town!

RUNNERS-UP: BEST SHOT
The Garage Bar: Frank Thomas: Frank’s Cake
O’Leary’s Pub Moorhead: Elijah Larson: Irish Pillow Mint
The Radisson: Peter Hoffman: Chipotle Smoke bomb

BEST PRESENTATION

The Garage Bar: Lucy Jacobson: The Lava Lamp
This drink was by far the most fun and coolest looking of the bunch!  To break it down, this is a Jell-O shot placed inside of a drink which in turn ends up looking like the lava lamp that sat next to your bed all those years back.  To start the fun you must first pick your Jell-O shot color.  Crafted from Dr. McGullicuddy’s Lemondrop Schnapps and your choice of orange or lemon flavored Jell-O, the shot is the first thing to land in the glass.  It is then topped off with some ice and a mixture of Smirnoff Orange and Club Soda and “voila!” Let the fun begin!

MOST CREATIVE

O’Leary’s Pub: Elijah Larson: The Communist
It was pretty evident right off the bat that Elijah had put some serious thought into his drink submissions and the results really reflected this process.  With all of the crazy flavored vodkas coming out these days it’s hard to even know where to start.  So instead of using just one of these new “fan-dancy” flavors, he chose to incorporate four of them in this concoction.  The mix of Pinnacle Cake, Chocolate, Whipped, and Espresso Vodkas, along with a dash of Pearl Caramel Vodka thrown in for good measure made up the guts of this drink. But it was the strategically placed marching red cinnamon gummy bears that made it a champion!

BEST FLAVOR

Green Mill: Anthony Dub: Pumpkin Pietini
A pumpkin martini might not be the newest libation in town, but this one takes deliciousness to a whole new level, which made it our winner for the best tasting drink.  From the caramel and graham cracker rimmed glass to the addition of pumpkin puree, this drink has all the components of scrumptious little cocktail.  Add to that the spirits portion;  Kahlua, Baileys, Smirnoff Whipped Vodka, Butterscotch Schnapps, and Goldschlagger and you got yourself an HPR winner!

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Lucky 13: Staff: Rock star Martini
Any drink that is rimmed with Pop-Rocks is A OK in our book!

John Alexander’s Martini Bar: Pomerita Bowl
Served in a fishbowl, this drink goes down as “the biggest drink in the history of the HPR Drink Contest!” This is a great drink for groups and makes a fantastic photo-op.

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[Editor’s Note: Nikki Berglund is the Wine Manager and third generation owner of Bernie’s Wines and Liquors.  Before moving back to Fargo and coming to work for her family business five years ago, she spent many years as a Wine Sales Representative in Denver, CO working for two of the largest liquor wholesalers in the country.]