Providence’s Modern American restaurant Farmstead hosted its first cocktail competition on February 23, 2014. The “Winterlicious Cocktail Competition” featured Merlet Liqueurs & Spirits’ cognacs, available in Rhode Island from Elevated Spirits and represented by Inspired Beverages. Nine Providence-area United States Bartender Guild competitors used Merlet as the key ingredient in each cocktail creation. Chef Jonathan Dille from The Grange in Providence took first place with his “Alsatian Sunset.”

Leslie Martineau, Brand Ambassador, Merlet (center), and Judges Daveid Dadekian of Easke Drink RI (l) and Matt Jennings, Chef/Owner of Farmstead (r) watch Jonathan Dille, Executive Chef, The Grange, who took first place.

Trisha Bianco Green, General Manager, Farmstead with David Mangiantine, Sales Specialist, Elevated Spirits.

Joseph Haggard, Bar Manager of The Grange took second place.

Silas Axtell of Farmstead with Alexei Beratis of Inspired Beverages.

Photos by Chris Almeida.