Tracker Pixel for Entry

​Yo ho ho!

Cocktail Showdown | April 10th, 2019

Design by Raul Gomez

Well shiver me timbers. After weeks of sampling some of the finest drinks in F-M from more bars than we could shake a belaying pin at, the results of High Plains Reader’s 6th Annual Cocktail Showdown are in!

For nine weeks, three judges were presented with a shot or after-dinner drink (depending on the establishment) and a drink at each stop of the showdown. Bartenders at participating establishments were judged on presentation, flavor, and creativity, in two different bar categories: Neighborhood Bar and Restaurant Bar.

Now that the Showdown has come to a close, we’re setting up the ultimate battle in a chopped-style competition. This Sunday, with a pirate theme, we’re hoping to set a record with the most buccaneers to congregate at the Holiday Inn. We’ll start out with a pre-party in the pool area at 4pm, and then we (politely) storm the ballroom.

Now for a list of our fierce competitors. Heave ho, me hearties!

Molly Fontaine
Spirits Lounge at the Holiday Inn

HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?

Molly: I like to keep it simple. I'll usually order a vodka soda with some citrus.

HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?

Molly: This is a tough one. I use my cocktail spoon a lot so I guess I'll go with that.

HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?

Molly: When I'm with a guest or in the middle of completing a round and someone comes up and just starts yelling their order at me. That and verbal tippers. Compliments don't pay bills, hunnies!

Justin Ryttie
Rhombus Guys

HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?

Justin: Recently my drink of choice has been a good gin and soda with lime. Otherwise, I love sour ales so I'll treat myself to those when there's a really good one. I miss Tallgrass's Key Lime Pie Sour.

HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?

Justin: If I was stranded on a desert island I could be very content if I had access to lime, mint, and sugar. Heat and mojitos just go well together.

HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?

Justin: Recently, my number one bartending pet peeve has been the question "how much is -insert drink or liquor-". At Rhombus we have easily over 50 liquors that change as our drinks evolve, 24 beers on tap, and a cocktail menu that changes twice a year. I will never memorize all those changing prices and looking those up during a busy time is extremely frustrating.

James Hein
Toasted Frog

HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?

James: My choice of drink will vary. If I know the bartender I get what they recommend or have been playing with. If it is a place I don't know, it will be a Negroni or Makers Mark on the rocks depending on the type of establishment.

HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?

James: I would assume a desert island lacks ice, thus rendering most equipment useless. My favorite equipment is a well-balanced spoon and mixing tumbler. Good Gin, Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters, and Campari are essential ingredients.

HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?

James: My pet peeve is candy-flavored or named drinks. Seriously, grow up.

Josh Goedke
Twist

HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?

Josh: Vodka soda and shots.

HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?

Josh: First off, alcohol because that would be the most important, obviously. Then lime juice, lemon juice, agave nectar, a shaker and an endless supply of ice.

HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?

Josh: I'm too happy all the time to have pet peeves.

Tori Luck
Mezzaluna

HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?

Tori: Vesper with Dripping Springs in the summer. Blanton’s old fashioned in the winter.

HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?

Tori: If I'm on an island...I'd need Cachaça, limes and turbinado sugar so I can make Caipirinhas. As far as tools go...None, I'm STRANDED... I'll muddle it up with a stick and bottoms up! Fine, fine, I'll play along and say a shaker and a bar spoon.

HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?

Tori: Negativity.

Aaron Duma
Sanctuary Events Center

HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?

Aaron: New York sour

HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?

Aaron: I would really miss ice. Ice is a cocktail’s best friend, but I would bring my wine key for sure.

HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?

Aaron: "It's a garnish tray, not a buffet!" - Amy Bertzyk

Jared Winmill
HoDo

HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?

Jared: It’s situational for me, but if I want to treat myself I go to Duffys for Brandon’s Jameson Caskmates White Russian.

HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?

Jared: A good chef knife and coconuts. Stay hydrated with the coconut water and a vessel to drink out of. I hope the island comes stocked with booze.

HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?

Jared: Probably when I greet a guest with a ‘How’s it goin’ or whatever and they just tell me what they want. ‘I’m f#%*!@ great, thanks for asking!

Elijah Larson
Wurst West

HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?

Elijah: If I’m in an establishment that has a cocktail program, a Daiquiri. In a neighborhood dive, Miller High Life and a shot. In a corporate joint I almost always go for the sh*tty premix Piña Colada or Margarita. Damnit. Now I want a Sh*tty Piña Colada!

HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?

Elijah: ICE!!!

HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?

Elijah: Complacent/Lazy Managers. You’re being paid to be a leader, so f*cking lead!

Aaron Benson
Rustica

HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?

Aaron: When I find myself belly up, I scan the cocktail list for something new that I have yet to try (always drinking for science).

HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?

Aaron: If I was allowed one bar tool whilst stranded on an island, I would have to bring my torch, because fire.

HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?

Aaron: If I tell you my pet peeve, the universe might just overhear. Not taking any chances, not this time.

IF YOU GO

HPR Bartenders Battle

Sunday, April 14, 4-10 p.m.

Holiday Inn Fargo, 3803 13th Ave S

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comNorth Dakotans will take part in a nationwide civil rights rally on Thursday, July 17. Protests, marches, rallies and acts of service are scheduled in Bismarck, Bottineau, Devils Lake,…

Back-to-school season is on the horizon, but there's still plenty of summer left. Check out our favorite August attractions and events in North Dakota and western Minnesota. And if if you missed them, here are a few excellent May…

July 18-19, 25-26 and August 2-3North Dakota Horse Park, 5180 19th Ave. N., FargoLadies and gentlemen, prepare to place your bets — racing season is upon us! Not just horses will be racing this year; word on the street suggests…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com On July fourth, Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest took place at Coney Island. The winners, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, reigned victorious. Chestnut earned his 17th title by…

By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comWhy doesn’t the world require politicians to leave office at 60?Most of the leaders of countries, whether gods, fascists, democrats or socialists, are not doing very well these days. David Van…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gion and Simone Wairickgion@gmail.com The Red River Market returned to downtown Fargo on Saturday, July 12. The event will take place every Saturday except July 19. (That date will be moved to Sunday, July 20, due to the…

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comThe Moorhead Public Library will offer three free, all-ages outdoor concerts featuring regional bands this summer. The series begins on June 12 with the Meat Rabbits, a group that blends…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comPhoto by Sabrina Hornung Wing, North Dakota is a town of 132 located about an hour northwest of Bismarck on Highway 36. There’s a shiny new Cenex on the intersection of the highway and the high…

By Deb Wallworkdwallwork@icloud.comI first met Catherine Mulligan at a party at her house. It was a small gathering, spontaneous, just a few people over for dinner. Directed toward a stack of plates and bowls and a big pot warming…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comPhoto by Yvonne Denault There is something intimate and personal about plays. Even in our age of multimillion dollar Hollywood productions and droves of streaming services, watching actors…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

The drug that keeps re-purposing itselfBy Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com There is a drug that is getting a lot of attention nowadays all over the world. It has various commercial names (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus), but…

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.com Working in the Bakken oil fields of the Williston Basin is so different from my home in Fargo. I'm not judging, because the people working and living in western North Dakota are very…