2023 Newark Cocktail Challenge
The search for the
Newark Signature Cocktail
is ON
Visit participating bars and restaurants now to try their cocktail creation for the Newark Signature Cocktail and discover the creativity with which cocktails, food and more are invented and presented in Newark’s most creative bars and restaurants.
Deep Inn - A great American Bar, 60 Pulaski Street, Newark, NJ
NICO Kitchen & Bar, located in The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
Swahili Village - A True Taste of Africa, 2 Center Street, Newark NJ
Casa d’Paco - Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 73 Warwick Street Newark, NJ
POST your images (tag @shakenewark and hashtag #shakenewark on Instagram) for a chance to WIN.
Find your favorite expression of the 2023 Newark Signature Cocktail, crafted with spirits created in Newark and VOTE for your favorite!
The Deep Inn
A Great American Bar
Presenting: The Dig Deeper
Dig Deeper cocktail
Dig Deeper, is a modern version of the classic Lemon Drop cocktail. Made with Bone Black 104 Vodka and served in a Lemonhead-candy-rimmed glass with a splash of glitter! Try it now at the Deep Inn in Newark’s Ironbound.
The Deep Inn was named one of New Jersey’s top bars by NJ.com in 2019 and is located in Newark’s Ironbound section - or more specifically - Down Neck. A self described “old fashioned” bar, here you can play pool or darts and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and cool drinks.
Try their entry for the 2023 Newark Cocktail Competition now!
The Deep Inn - A Great American Bar
Location: 60 Pulaski Street, Newark, NJ (Ironbound)
Website: here
2023 Newark Cocktail Challenge submission:
Dig Deeper, a modern take on the Lemon Drop
Bone Black 104 Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup; served in a glass with a crushed candy coated rim and garnished with glitter.
NICO
kitchen + bar
Presenting: The Heart + Soul
Heart + Soul cocktail
The Heart + Soul is a refreshing gin based cocktail made with Cathouse Gin, Aperol, fresh lemon and orange juice, and Effervescent Water. Enjoy it now at NICO kitchen and bar!
NICO is located within the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and a perfect place to enjoy creative American and Italian inspired fare for lunch, happy hour, dinner or as a pre-show snack. NICO are supporters of local craft with locally made spirits (All Points West) and more, and was awarded the OpenTable Diner’s Choice in 2022.
NICO kitchen + bar
Location: in NJPAC, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ (Downtown)
Website: here
2023 Newark Cocktail Challenge submission:
Heart + Soul
The original Cathouse Gin, Aperol, lemon juice, orange juice, Effervescent water; garnished with a slice of orange.
Swahili Village
A True Taste of Kenya
Presenting: Pink Lady + Pink Dragon
Pink Lady (left)
Pink Dragon (right)
Swahili Village is doubling down on pink by presenting not one, but two cocktails using Cathouse Pink Pepper Gin (which is flavored with Pink Pepper corns and hibiscus flowers) as its spirit base.
For the Pink Lady, they pair Cathouse Pink Pepper Gin with pink lemonade and prosecco. Further, they float pomegranate seeds and top it off with cotton candy (!) and a twig of rosemary.
For the Pink Dragon, they pair Cathouse Pink Pepper Gin with pink papaya fruit, tonic water and lime juice and use dried orange and dragon fruit as garnish.
Try both cocktails now at Swaheli Village (Newark location).
Swahili Village offers East-African cuisine, the true taste of Kenya and beyond. Explore the two cocktails they are submitting to the 2023 Newark Cocktail Competition now.
Swahili Village - A True Taste of Kenya
Location: 2 Center Street, Newark NJ (Downtown)
Website: here
2023 Newark Cocktail Challenge submission:
Pink Lady:
Cathouse Pink Pepper Gin, pink lemonade, prosecco, pomegranate seeds; cotton candy and rosemary twig for garnish.
Pink Dragon:
Cathouse Pink Pepper Gin, pink papaya fruit, lime juice, tonic water; dried orange slice and dragon fruit for garnish.
Casa d’Paco
Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Presenting: The Paco Luca Sour
Paco Luca Sour cocktail
Casa d’Paco’s 2023 Cocktail Competition entry, Paco Luca Sour, is made from All Points West Malt and Grain Pot Still Whiskey, egg white fizz, raw sugar, fresh squeezed lemon juice, topped with a Paco Luca Tempranillo wine float. Try it now!
Casa d’Paco is a lively Spanish Tapas Restaurant in the heart of the Ironbound, Newark and were the winners of the 2019 Newark Cocktail Challenge.
Casa d’Paco - Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Location: 73 Warwick Street Newark, NJ (Ironbound)
Website: here
2023 Newark Cocktail Challenge submission:
Paco Luca Sour
All Points West Malt and Grain Pot Still Whiskey, egg white fizz, raw sugar, fresh squeezed lemon juice, shaken; finished with a Paco Luca Tempranillo wine float.
#shakenewark, @shakenewark
Tag and hashtag shakenewark when posting your photos of the competing cocktails on Instagram for a chance to win a bottle of each of the base spirits featured in the competing cocktails of the 2023 Newark Cocktail Challenge: a bottle of Bone Black Vodka 104, a bottle of Cathouse Gin, a bottle of Cathouse Pink Pepper Gin and a bottle of All Points West Malt and Grain Pot Still Whiskey - all produced by All Points West Distillery in Newark’s Ironbound!
Visit the competing bars and restaurants now try their competition entry on site, then post!
Finalists/Overview
2023 Newark Cocktail Competition
Finalists:
Pink Lady by Swahili Village
featuring Cathouse Pink Pepper Gin
Dig Deeper by The Deep Inn
featuring Bone Black Vodka 104
Pink Dragon by Swahili Village
featuring Cathouse Pink Pepper Gin
Heart + Soul by NICO kitchen and bar
featuring Cathouse Gin
Paco Luca Sour by Casa d’Paco
featuring All Points West Malt and Grain Pot Still Whiskey
Vote For Your Favorite Cocktail of the 2023 Newark Cocktail Challenge:
(scroll up for an overview of the five competing cocktails)
