Cocktail Competition Highlights Connecticut RTD Line

Connecticut’s The Cocktail Chemist, Dimitrios Zahariadis, teamed up with Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI), and its social media moniker, Cheers CT, for a cocktail competition at Viron Rondo Osteria in Cheshire on June 29. Local bartenders were invited to put their own spin on cocktails featuring The Cocktail Chemist ready-to-drink craft canned cocktail line. Available in Connecticut via CDI, the line features premium spirits blended with fresh fruit juice, natural flavors and 100% cane sugar available in four flavors: the Vodka Soda cocktail, made with carbonated water and a splash of cranberry juice with a hint of lime flavor; the Mojito, a blend of Caribbean rum, blended with mint, freshly squeezed lime juice and cane sugar; the Something Good, a blend of vodka, lemon juice and cane sugar with notes of elderflower and lavender; and the Espresso Martini, a blend of American corn vodka and cold brew espresso, infused with nitro and a hint of vanilla flavor. The winners from first place to third were Sara Capellini, Pour Girls Pub; Chris Lazich, Fork & Fire; and Tom M., Trader Joe’s.

: Dimitrios Zahariadis, Owner and Founder, The Cocktail Chemist also serves as Beverage Manager and Bartender at Viron Rondo Osteria.

: The Cocktail Chemist Something Good, Mojito, Vodka Soda and Espresso Marini canned cocktails were created by award-winning Connecticut bar professional Dimitrios Zahariadis.

: Dan Rek, Bartender, Viron Rondo Osteria; Paul Mazurek, Account Manager, Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI); Nadine Gengras, Senior Trade Development Manager, CDI; and Dimitrios Zahariadis, Owner and Founder, The Cocktail Chemist.

: Rachael Kosicki, Pour Girls Pub; Third-place winner Tom M. Trader Joe’s; Nikki Calabro, Pour Girls Pub; Second-place winner Chris Lazich, Fork & Fire; and First-place winner Sara Capellini, Pour Girls Pub.