CityView Magazine

C TOP10OCKTAILS It was love at first sip. And second... and third... The rules for Fayetteville’s first cocktail contest were simple: all recipes invited, be it a new spin on an old classic or a old favorite. We just wanted the yummiest, most refreshing, cannot-resist-this drink of summer. Fayetteville’s mixologists answered the call. Then CityView sent writer and blogger Amelia Forman-Stiles out on a mission, to bring back the city’s top 10 drinks. Thus began two weeks of sampling and note taking. Amelia would judge the drinks on their unique ingredients, complexity, appeal to both men and women and of course, ultimately, taste. Now, in no certain order, she tells you where to drink them and, even better, how to make them! Chocolate-Covered Cherry Big Harry’s Tavern (Mandy Barnes) ½ ounce hazelnut liquor ½ ounce chocolate vodka Spoonful of cherry juice Splash of lemon-lime soda One cherry in the glass Mix without ice and serve in a shot glass. This is a drink meant for sipping and because it’s served at room temperature, the cherry at the bottom of the glass better absorbs the chocolate and hazelnut flavors. Lemon Meringue Martini Circa 1800 (Steve Nichols) 1¼ ounces limoncello ¾ ounce white crème de cacao 2 ounces sweet and sour mix 1 ounce pineapple juice Chill martini glass, combine all ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into glass. Garnish with a lemon peel. I loved the muted chocolate flavor that goes so well with the lemoncello, an Italian liqueur made from lemons, lemon peels and grain liquor. This drink was created for a regular customer who is a fan of limoncello. The Triple H Huske Hardware House ( Josh Collins) 6 ounces Sledge Hammer Stout 7 ounces Killaman Irish Red 7 ounces Level Headed Blonde The secret in achieving this “stacked” look is in pouring each of these custom brews (made right on the premises) atop the Sledge Hammer Stout very slowly, and over a spoon or bartender’s “turtle” so as not to penetrate the layer of ale below. It takes some skill to pour the beers and preserve the three distinct earth-toned layers. I liked how it starts off light with the Level Headed Blonde and works your taste buds up to the stout. CityViewNC.com | 43

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