The final in a series of Cold River Vodka Martini Mix-Off events was held on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Boothbay Harbor restaurant, 93 Townsend.

The winner was Robin Demello of Brownfield with her "Baxter's Hunnetini" featuring Cold River Vodka, Barenjager Honey Liqueur, and a garnish of crystallized ginger. She named the drink after "Baxter the Bear," as made popular by singer Rick Charette in honor of Maine's Baxter State Park.

The event featured winners and runners-up from the six previous regional Mix-Off events that took place across Maine and New Hampshire over the summer. A crowd of over 50 fans gathered to witness the friendly competition.

Robin Demello was named Cold River Martini Mix-off Champion and received several prizes, including a two-night stay at the Welch House Inn and a gift certificate to 93 Townsend. Prizes at the previous Mix-Offs included martini shakers, Cold River long-sleeved T-shirts and hats, and etched martini glasses. 93 Townsend plans to feature every contestant's recipe on its 2007 Martini Menu which consists of 93 Martinis.

The Mix-Offs throughout the summer of 2006 were a great success, with close to 50 total contestants taking part. Bob Harkins, principal of Maine Distilleries, said, "We were seeking a way to highlight the Cold River brand and encourage creativity among mixologists, both professional and amateur, from around Maine and New Hampshire. I think we accomplished that goal, and our contestants came up with some incredible recipe ideas, as well."

The rules of the contest specified that the martini must include Cold River Vodka. Other than that, contestants were free to let their imaginations run wild in concocting their creations. Each contestant stood before the crowd, mixed their drink, and told the story behind their martini. Contestants in the finals were judged on presentation, creativity and taste.

Luanne Clifford, owner of 93 Townsend, came up with the idea for the Mix-Offs, because she felt that Cold River Vodka is important to the state of Maine, since it is made by Maine people with Maine potatoes and Maine spring water.

"When we started carrying Cold River Vodka the response was really good. I am always looking for ways to promote things from Maine, being a Maine girl myself. We also run The Boothbay Harbor Wine Club, and it just seemed like a natural progression for us to go from wine to vodka."

Judges for this final Mix-Off were Paula Truman from Bow Street Distributing, Susan Hodder, owner of the Welch House Inn in Boothbay Harbor, and Bob Harkins and Chris Dowe of Maine Distilleries, producers of Cold River Vodka.

Contestants included: Demello, with her "Baxter's Hunnetini," which was the runner-up at the Horsefeathers event in North Conway, N.H.; Emily Bradley of Boothbay Harbor, making her "Foxy Martini," which was the winner at the 93 Townsend event; Michael Feldmann of Boothbay Harbor, making his "Cold Gold," which was the runner-up at the 93 Townsend event; Michele Duval of Portsmouth, N.H., making her "Wentworth Rejuvenator," which was the winner at the StockPot event in Portsmouth, N.H.; Brian Foster of Castine and Kingfield, with his "Castini With a Twist," which was the winner of the Dennett's Wharf event in Castine; and Brigit Cavanaugh of Sebasco Estates, with her "Sebasco Liquid Lobster Bake," which was the winner of the Sebasco Estates event in Sebasco Harbor.