Cocktail contest has added flair

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The seventh annual Vodka Cocktail Contest will have an added “flair” this year.

The competition, sponsored by Y-Town Vodka and presented by PolishYoungstown, will take place Thursday at Suzie’s Dogs and Drafts, downtown. It welcomes both amateurs and professionals to create the best cocktail. Bartenders from some of Youngstown’s top establishments will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights in the narrated event.

Judges will grade each drink for creativity, flavor and originality. The winning cocktail will be the Signature Drink for Polish Youngstown’s Ostatki celebration the next night.

Each of the contestants’ drinks will be available for everyone in attendance to try, as there also will be a People’s Choice Award.

New this year will be a flair bartending demonstration by Jay Waldeck of Suzie’s Dogs and Drafts. Flair bartenders use fancy showmanship while making drinks, a skill that requires precision and practice. For information, call 330-333-9724 or email info@polishyoungstown.org.