The Ultimate Cold River Cocktail

[Linda Batey]

Here in Maine, we know alcohol. Of course the best known Maine alcohol would be "Allen's Coffee Brandy". Someone, somewhere, probably having to do with ice-drinking fishing, decided that Allen's goes well with milk, and the drink went viral.  Young men refer to the drink as LPR (liquid panty remover); all I know is what I've seen--too many years of whole milk and Allen's makes for a mighty large woman. Thus, the other name for milk and Allens (fat-ass-in-a-glass).

 

We also know potatoes, and everyone knows that potatoes make fine vodka. Maine Distillers produces two delicious vodkas, plain and blueberry, and a gin.  What started off as an experiment with Maine Distiller owners Donnie Thibodeau, Lee Thibodeau, Bob Harkins and head distiller Chris Dowe turned into a velvety vodka sold in 26 states plus Canada and London. The addition of the ambrosial Cold River Gin in 2010 has found its way into seven eastern states.

 

Now for the fun part: the 2nd Annual Cold River Bartender's Bash. Thirty mixologists created their signature drink before the end of 2010 and are now pitching those libations to customers. The 15 bartenders who have the most successful-selling drinks will move on to the actual Bash on February 28 where the winning drink will be chosen by "people's choice".  The winning bartender is awarded $500, second place $300 and third place winner is awarded $200. The tickets for the event are $35 and are available at http://tinyurl.com/28rmueg. and include food, live music and lots of fun. The event benefits Share our Strength, Cooking Matters to Maine programs, which instruct families in Maine to stretch their grocery dollars and create more nutritious meals.

 

We can only hope the newest concoction can knock LPR and FAING off the current most popular libations in Maine!