Cocktail Wars Newport, in collaboration with Newport Live Events and Litchfield Distillery, hosted a cocktail competition at Newport Harbor Island Resort on Aug. 24. Led by Bartender and Cocktail Wars Newport Founder John Begin, the Mudslides, Margaritas and Manhattans event showcased the spirits of Connecticut-based Litchfield Distillery. Local bartenders competed to create their best version of one of these classic cocktails for the panel of judges: Ryan Connors, Executive Chef, 1639 at Newport Harbor Island Resort; Tony DeSousa; Peter Baker, Owner, Litchfield Distillery; and Josette Baker. A bartending team from The Jefferson Speakeasy was named the day’s winner: Daniel Nuebler; Sierra Porter; and Alex Collazo, Owner, The Jefferson Speakeasy, with their winning Manhattan, Paint the Town Red.
-
- Peter Baker, Owner, Litchfield Distillery; John Begin, Founder, Cocktail Wars; and Douglas Maloney, Brand Ambassador, Litchfield Distillery.
-
- Litchfield Distillery Brand Ambassadors Douglas Maloney and Tom Kelly.
-
- Winner Alex Collazo, Owner, The Jefferson Speakeasy.
-
- The winning cocktail by The Jefferson Speakeasy team: Paint the Town Red.
-
- Samples of The Jefferson Speakeasy’s winning Manhattan, Paint the Town Red.
-
- Natasha Moreira, 1639 at Newport Harbor Island Resort making her cocktail featuring Litchfield Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
-
- Competitor Mitchell Swass, Wharf Fishhouse & Tiki Bar.
-
- Swass’ The Blue Raspberry Margarita.
-
- Tastes of The Blue Raspberry Margarita by Mitchell Swass.
-
- Competition Judges: Ryan Connors, Executive Chef, 1639 at Newport Harbor Island Resort; Tony DeSousa; Peter Baker, Owner, Litchfield Distillery; and Josette Baker.
-
- Peter Baker, Owner, Litchfield Distillery and Competition Judge.
-
- Competitor Bella Pusateri’s Rumple Minze Mudslide.
-
- Cocktail by Mike Rogers, I’m an AG.
-
- The Chocolate Heath Bar Mudslide by Stephanie Valencia, The Pineapple Club.
-
- The winning team from The Jefferson Speakeasy: Daniel Nuebler; Sierra Porter; and Alex Collazo, Owner.
Photos courtesy of Litchfield Distillery.
