Cozy ambiance by the water, a warm summer night, and $15 for alcohol samples on a Tuesday night? Sign me up! This month’s mixology madness was at none other than PVD’s Narragansett Brewery. The task was to see who could make the best cocktail using the Narragansett Del’s Shandy – with a watermelon twist. There were six bartenders, each with their own unique spin on a Del’s Shandy cocktail. Each of these drinks had its own appeal; from a refreshing, gentle seltzer-esque drink to a good ol’ fashioned beer-n-shot, there was something for the pickiest of tastebuds. The first contender was Nick Durant with what he called a “Watermelon Street Fighter,” courtesy of the bar that he works at, Play Arcade in New Bedford, MA. Inspired by Street Fighter, a popular fighting game, Nick used the sweetness of the watermelon shanty to complement the powerful kick of Lunazul tequila. Talk about a “Shoryuken!” For friends looking for a savory and smoky kick with some taijin to boost, this is the cocktail for you.
Mike McDermott was up next with his cocktail that he dubbed “Captain Bill.” The name was an homage to Bill Anderson, a legendary Gansett brewmaster from back in the day, who came out of retirement to help revive the brewery with Mark Hellendrung in 2005. This cocktail is far less savory and instead embraces the sweet side of the watermelon shandy, while enhancing it with a nice, strong dragon fruit taste. Despite that, the alcohol from the shandy and ruben was still very strong, which Mike skillfully counteracted with a nice little slice of pineapple. It was so well done, it’s hard to believe Mike just joined the bartending community not even a year ago!
Next up was Sonia Torres, owner of Enchanted Sip Mobile Bar, with a fast-growing reputation alongside a fittingly bubbly personality. For this round, Sonia wanted to provide a more refreshing drink to complement the warm summer weather. She called her cocktail the Shandy Sour, which was a much gentler drink with a refreshing hint of honey water and bitters. Sonia wanted to make a cocktail that was not too sweet, but also light and easy to drink, which worked well with the hint of honey. Need some ideas for a poolside cocktail? This one’s for you!
Dominique Stromley was our 4th bartender, hailing from Track 15, with her very own mobile bartending business called Stir. Dominique perhaps had the most unique cocktail of the night, which she dubbed the Coastal Garden Smash. Much like Sonia with her Shandy Sour, Dominique wanted to make a gentle drink to enjoy by the poolside. Her cocktail utilized herbal natural flavors such as lemon and ginger, making it taste like an iced tea mimosa. For someone who isn’t too fond of the bitter taste of alcohol, the Coastal Garden Smash was a great way to make sure you didn’t miss out on all the fun!
The next cocktail was a break from the gentle flavors and went all-in for a strong alcohol punch. Steve Sharp from the What Cheer Tavern and the Sports Tap, both in PVD, wanted to go all the way with the challenge and embrace a straightforward recipe – a simple beer and a shot. Steve called it the Surprise-Weiser, absolutely fitting considering the 1-2 combo of the beer and shot (and considering one of What Cheer’s most popular specials is a mystery shot and a beer). Steve wanted something fun, simple, and exciting, not to mention very PVD). If you’re ready to have a party, don’t skip this powerful “surprise” that makes you none the “wiser!” Get it? …Must be the alcohol talking.
Last but certainly not least was Patrick Hamilton with his cocktail called Rose-Colored Glasses, a vivid rose colored cocktail which you can see through the clear glass. This cocktail was the perfect way to end the night, with one last strong taste of sweet and savory. Hailing from Skeff’s Pub, Patrick brought all his skill and charm to this cocktail, which had an almost wine-like flavor from the watermelon and yuzu juice mixed with Rosaluna mescal. With each sip, I found myself wanting to just stare at the world through that rich magenta color.
With such a variety of strong choices, the assembled crowd of about 50 mixology enthusiasts couldn’t predict the winner. The panel of judges, featuring Gansett’s Ezra Jukovich, Track 15 Event Director Kaitlyn Frohlich, and sponsor Solar Cannabis Co’s David Sorgman, deliberated intently in the warm, breezy summer air on the spacious brewery terrace. The winner they arrived at was Dominique’s Coastal Garden Smash. Not too sweet, not strong, this cocktail is a great choice for the last few weeks of summer. If you’re interested in learning more about Dominique, feel free to check her out on Instagram @laren.dominique. The winner of the popular vote was the light, refreshing Shandy Sour by Sophia, while other accolades went to Steve Sharp (“Most Providence Drink”), and Nick Durant, who also received the coveted “Brewer’s Choice” from celebrated Gansett Head Brewer Lee Lord.
Here’s the recipe for the Coastal Garden Smash, if you’d like to grab a couple of cups, friends, and head down by the water for a relaxing drink in the sun.
“Coastal Garden Smash”
by Dominique Stromley
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4 oz. Narragansett Del’s Watermelon Shandy
10 shiso leaves (muddled)
1.5 oz. Hami melon juice
.5oz rhubarb
splash of sparkling water