What Cocktail Best Represents Newark? Contest Will Decide

NEWARK, NJ — What kind of liquor drink best represents the Brick City? The winning libation will be named “Newark’s Signature Cocktail 2018” as part of an upcoming contest.

The Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau (GNCVB), the Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) and All Points West Distillery recently announced the launch of the “Newark Cocktail Challenge,” a battle of the booze that will grant a local bar or restaurant bragging rights, as well as a one-of-a-kind trophy designed by Newark’s Glassroots.

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“This competition is actually more of a celebration of the innovation and ingenuity that is still found in the City of Newark,” said GNCVB President Karin Aaron in a joint statement from the groups. “What better way for our restaurants, hotels, and bars, to entertain their clients over the upcoming holidays than with a cocktail tasting? We expect visitors to linger at these establishments a bit longer and to sample the good spirits that are produced in our city.”

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The competition officially kicked off on October 1 and will run until January 1, 2019. In recognition of an “overwhelmingly positive response to the contest's introduction,” the deadline for entrants has been extended to November 19, organizers said.

Click here for more information or to enter the contest.

Contest details include:

“The cocktails created by participating establishments will be judged by patrons who will vote online and through social media. All cocktails must contain at least one or more of the spirits handcrafted in small batches in Newark's Ironbound by All Points West Distillery including their Malt and Grain Pot Still Whiskey, Cathouse Gin and Bone Black Vodka. A panel of celebrity judges will make the final decision from among the top five vote-getters at a Grand Finale Event in March 2019 (with a date and location to be revealed later).”

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