Fishers Island Lemonade Launches Second Annual Cocktail Competition

The makers of Fishers Island Lemonade announced its second annual cocktail competition will be held at the Midtown Oyster Bar in Newport, Rhode Island, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. This competition, which is open to anyone age 21 or older, invites amateur and professional mixologists to invent a cocktail using Fishers Island Lemonade as the main ingredient, and compete for chance to take home the competition title. Prizes include a feature on the Midtown Oyster Bar Specials Menu, a swag bag and gift card, among other prizes. Interested contestants must sign up by April 24 online at www.filemonade.com/cocktail-competition.

Known as one of the first “cocktails in a can,” Fishers Island Lemonade is a mixture of premium vodka, whiskey, natural lemon and honey that can be enjoyed straight from the can, mixed with other flavors, or even warmed and served like a hot toddy. The cocktail was developed by Bronya Shillo and is based off of the house drink she served while bartending at her family’s bar, The Pequot Inn, which is also Fisher Island’s only bar.

Contestants are challenged to use this drink as the base for a new cocktail that may contain other spirits, syrups, or garnishes. They will have only seven minutes to create their original drink for the judges along with twenty 2-oz. samples for spectators. Shillo said all entries will be judged on the use of Fishers Island Lemonade, originality, taste and presentation.

“This contest is a fun way to highlight Fishers Island Lemonade’s versatility and refreshing flavor,” Shillo said. “Last year’s event was such a success and we were really impressed with the creativity of so many people out there. I am excited to see what our contestants come up with this year!”

Last year, Fishers Island Lemonade’s first cocktail competition was held at The Engine Room in downtown Mystic, Conn. Sixteen area bartenders and trade professionals entered the event and Taylor Samuel of The Madison Beach Hotel and Misquamicut’s Windjammer took home the top prize. Her unique “Island Pop” drink featured Fishers Island Lemonade muddled with watermelon, lime and lavender honey, garnished with Pop Rocks and a cucumber wheel.

Fishers Island Lemonade can be found in bars, restaurants and liquor stores throughout the northeast and is sold online at www.filemonade.com. Its signature vintage-inspired yellow- and white-striped can reflects the beach locale of The Pequot Inn, where the recipe originated. The company supports environmental organizations through ONE percent For the Planet, along with the Henry L. Ferguson Museum, which preserves, protects, and educates people about the local and natural history of Fishers Island.