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Beth Preddy
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The Community has Spoken!
Coquito Mojito Wins Cocktail Contest by Two Votes to Become
The Naples Original, the “Official” Cocktail of Naples

NAPLES (Jan. 18) – The Naples Original, Naples’ new signature cocktail, was chosen by voters at the Naples Originals cocktail contest held at Stoney’s Steakhouse. The contest was almost too close to call, but among the six contending cocktails, Coquito Mojito edged out the Basil Lemonade by just two votes to become The Naples Original. The Naples Original is made with Dancing Pine Oak Cask Rum, coconut cream, mint, fresh lime juice, and was created by mixologist David Ortiz on behalf of Naples Originals, the group of 35 local, independent restaurants.

The Naples Original will be served at many Naples bars and restaurants. Among the first restaurants to offer the drink are Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar, M Waterfront Grill, Stoney’s Steakhouse and Bamboo Cafe.

Naples Originals undertook the quest to find a signature Naples cocktail by enlisting nationally-known celebrity mixologist David Ortiz to create six original cocktails capturing the spirit and flavor of Naples. Ortiz used artisanal spirits from the American Still Life collection, for which he is the Florida ambassador, to create the cocktails.

Hundreds of Neapolitans showed up at the Naples Originals Cocktail Contest at Stoney’s Steakhouse on January 12 to become a part of Naples history in voting for the city’s signature cocktail. David Ortiz, the event’s special guest and emcee announced and served each cocktail in 15 minute increments while guests tasted and took note on their ballot sheets.

As the ballots came in, it seemed at first that the Basil Lemonade could not be beat. Yet, as more ballots were submitted the Coconut Mojito began to catch up. After all the ballots had been submitted they were counted twice by Naples Originals representatives and the winning cocktail was announced. The Coconut Mojito surpassed the Basil Lemonade with a final tally of 57 to 55.

The foundation base of the Naples Original is Dancing Pines Oak Cask Rum, an artisanal spirit from the American Still Life Collection, a group of small, family-owned, independent distilleries using time-honored, hand-crafted techniques, such as hand-operated pot stills that allow enhanced control of flavor and room for experimentation. Also essential to the cocktail is the use of fresh tropical ingredients that carry the flavor and spirit of Naples.

On the following day Naples Originals filmed an instructional video with David Ortiz demonstrating how to make the Naples Original cocktail. The video can be viewed on Naples Originals’ Youtube channel and will be used to train Naples Bartenders and other enthusiasts who appreciate a fine libation as part of the dining experience.

David Ortiz is an American Still Life ambassador. He is also featured on Sundance Channel’s televised and online “Iconoclasts,” profiles of original, accomplished individuals. He is president of the United States Bartenders’ Guild, and “works the stick” at the Viceroy Hotel’s Club 50 in Miami when not traveling the country for celebrity events, food festivals and industry competitions.

The Naples Originals Cocktail Party was sponsored by Naples Illustrated magazine, Stoney’s Steakhouse, and American Still Life Collection.

Ingredients
.75 oz Dancing Pine Oak Cask Rum
.75 oz Coconut Flavored Rum
.75 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
.75 oz Coco Lopez Coconut Cream

Splash of club soda
3 sprigs fresh mint, plus one for garnish
Lime wheel
Coquitos (optional garnish)

Utensils

Cocktail Shaker
Muddler
Strainer

Directions
Lightly muddle the mint in the coconut cream.
Add lime juice, Dancing Pine Oak Cask Rum and coconut flavored rum.
Fill with ice to the top and give it a long hard shake.
Pour through strainer into a glass over ice.
Add a splash of club soda.
Garnish with mint sprig, lime wheel and coquito.

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SUP Luau Races will be held Saturday, May 5 from noon until 3 pm at Bayfront Marketplace and marina on Naples Bay near US 41 and Goodlette Road in downtown Naples. According to Berman, luau theme of SUP races, featuring grass skirts, straw hats, leis, flowers and Polynesian barbecue, is a tribute to SUP’s Hawaiian roots.

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