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
