I can’t think of anything better than ending a 4th-of-July weekend listening to “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter while sipping some delicious espresso cocktail samples. On Sunday, July 6, Motif once again sponsored another Mixology Madness competition, this time as a collaboration with Newport Live Events’ Cocktail Wars. The chosen theme was espresso cocktails at the beautiful Newport Harbor Island Resort. This event was an absolute hit, with 125 tourists and Rhode Islanders alike ready to get their drink on.
Multiple organizations came together to ensure this event went without a hitch. Aside from Newport Live Events and Litchfield Distillery, the event was also sponsored by Solar Therapeutics. Cocktail Wars started 13 years ago as a bartender networking event only. Founder John Begin has since expanded it into the go-to for Newport bartenders to display their mixology skills to the rest of RI. Just picture it; the warm sun. The smell of the rich salty seabreeze. The lively music from RI’s DJ Darwin — There were good vibes all around. From the music to the drinks, this was the perfect day.
We had seven different samples to try, each with the theme of an espresso martini cocktail, using vodka from Connecticut’s own Litchfield Distillery. Started by three local brothers with a water-bottling business in 2014, Litchfield Distillery was an appropriate choice given their long history producing distilled spirits, handcrafted from the highest quality, locally-harvested grains and fruit all throughout the New England communities. Our lineup had 18 distinctive spirits for all tastes and drinks ranging from an Espresso Coffee Affogato by Alyssa to the Oreo Martini by Nichole Buono and the Reeses PB+J Espresso Martini by Mel Lopes. All of these cocktails were rich with the espresso flavor which cancelled out the vodka’s usual strong taste. As someone who isn’t a big fan of the taste of alcohol, I still enjoyed every sample! They were all good, but of course for a competition, there has to be a winner. The runner up was Alyssa with her delicious Coffee Ice Cream Affogato. The winner was none other than the event’s “underdog” bartender, Mitch! Mitch’s frozen espresso martini was definitely my favorite of them all – with that frozen sweet espresso goodness alongside Rhode Island’s infamous autocrat coffee syrup, it was the perfect way to cool off the summer heat. It was so good I found myself shamelessly sneaking another sample. Everything about Mitch’s drink was delightful; from the taste to the red, white and blue cups, from the playful garnish to the adorable little duckies Mitch was handing out when he got a tip. I immediately found myself rooting for him. This isn’t even Mitch’s first rodeo either; he competed 13 times in past Cocktail Wars, and won runner up titles but never quite that first place spot… until now. Mitch Swass, the underdog champion, had some wise words to share:
“… Sometimes the best drinks, you don’t have to really think about it. There’s not like some sort of complicated recipe. You don’t really put too much thought into it. There’s room for error. There is room for a wonderful flavor to come out.”
And indeed simplicity IS best! When asked about his inspiration, Mitch knew that, as a Rhode Islander, there was no choice but to include Autocrat syrup. And the festive presentation? That was a simple but wise suggestion from his sister, especially since he ended up being the only bartender who embraced the timing of this year’s Independence Day. Even the frozen aspect itself stood out from the rest, as Mitch had brought his sister’s normal kitchen blender to make dozens of samples. If you wish to taste some of Mitch’s delicious drinks (and see his adorable duck socks and maybe score a ducky yourself too) you can catch him many evenings at The Gardiner House, 24 Lees Wharf, Newport, RI, 02840. •
Here’s his winning recipe:
2oz vodka
1oz Irish Cream
One scoop of ice cream
2oz Cold Brew Cafe Bustello
Dash of coffee syrup
Small scoop of ice
Blend together and top with whipped cream and espresso beans! (And maybe a little red and blue food coloring, if it happens to be the 4th of July.)
Photo: Mike Ryan