CAMDEN — The Frost Heave Challenge has a winner! Between Jan. 30 and Feb. 8, participating restaurants and bars in the Camden-Rockport area each created a special cocktail incorporating the frost heave theme of this year’s Winterfest and punch cards were distributed to the hundreds of locals and visitors so they could vote on the best cocktail. Bartenders from Cappy’s Chowder House & Restaurant, The Samoset Resort, 40 Paper, Natalie’s, The Waterfront, Smokestack Grill, Shepherd’s Pie and Cuzzy’s Bar & Restaurant all had something special up their collective sleeve. A few thought the contest would naturally favor the bars with the most mixology experience, but imagine the surprise, when the ballots came in and the local “keeping it real” establishment of Cuzzy’s emerged as the winner.

Bartenders Melanie Ilvonen and Heather Fortin came up with “The Warm and Cuzzy.”

“It’s a spin off on the owner [Chris] Cuzzy’s favorite drink with Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey with Apple Pie Midnight Moon moonshine, which has a hint of apples and cinnamon,” said Melanie.  “Then, we add the hot cider. It’s a very simple comfort drink, almost like sipping dessert,” she said. “I think our staff had a lot to do with spreading the news of the drink word of mouth and it was just really popular over toboggan weekend.”

To make the drink, watch our video of Melanie as she puts it all together or try the ingredients at home.

• Rim glass with cinnamon sugar mixture
• 1 jigger Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
• 1 jigger Apple Pie Midnight Moon moonshine
• Fill with warmed apple cider
• Garnish with cinnamon stick and orange slice

To see all of our past “What’s In That Cocktail” series (with video!), check out our “Iconic Cocktails” resource page: The best craft cocktails in the Midcoast

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com