{"id":64725,"date":"2022-12-09T09:32:38","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T14:32:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/?p=64725"},"modified":"2022-12-22T10:01:56","modified_gmt":"2022-12-22T15:01:56","slug":"the-ultimate-maine-bar-cart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/the-ultimate-maine-bar-cart\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Maine Bar Cart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Photo courtesy of Hardshore Distilling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Between the pandemic era shift to at-home cocktail hours and the recent boom in new distilleries across the state, this holiday season is the perfect time to upgrade your bar cart selection. Whether you\u2019re a novice entertainer or a professional mixologist, we\u2019d like to offer a 2-0-7 twist that will make your inventory deliciously one-of-a-kind. Try one of the recipes below\u2014or concoct your own\u2014snap a picture, and tag @themainemag on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tree Spirits Knotted Maple<\/h2>\n\n\n
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While there are a few micro-distillers producing maple-flavored spirits, Tree Spirits Knotted Maple is different because it\u2019s made from the Central Maine winery and distillery\u2019s popular Maple Picnic Wine. Using syrup from Bacon Farm in Sidney, the 80-proof spirit fits the rich flavor profile of a true brandy and is delicious on its own, but click here<\/a> to check out their recipe collaboration with Vena\u2019s Fizz House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hot tip: Tree Spirits is the only absinthe distillers in New England, so be sure to grab a bottle of the green, aniseed-flavored spirit while you\u2019re at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

treespiritsofmaine.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three of Strong Acadian Rum<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Three of Strong is a values-driven distillery in Portland that emerged from a conversation between two friends while sipping rum. The brand\u2019s sustainable and inclusive practices reflect its values, which include protecting Maine\u2019s natural resources, agriculture, and communities. Their rums are made with 100 percent organic evaporated cane syrup, molasses, and yeast, and pure water from Sebago Lake. The bright and citrusy Acadian white rum is distilled from cold-pressed sugarcane juice and has zero artificial flavorings or colors. Not sure how to mix it? Check out their cocktail recipes here!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

threeofstrongspirits.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cold River Potato Vodka<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Triple-distilled using Maine potatoes and water from its namesake Cold River, this award-winning vodka is gluten-free and perfectly refined, making it ideal for a premium quality martini or whatever vodka-made beverage your heart desires. Craving something savory? We recommend trying the Stonewall Kitchen Legal Sea Foods Down East Bloody Mary Mix<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

coldrivervodka.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blueshine Blueberry Liquor<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Blueshine is crafted by hand at Maine Craft Distilling in Portland. Made from Maine barley, the grain is fermented in a large wooden fermenter and then run through a copper still. Once the \u201cshine\u201d is ready, they add in Maine wild blueberries and a subtle helping of Maine maple syrup. Blueshine makes the perfect addition to a refreshing, ice-cold lemonade, a combo Maine Craft Distilling sells at the ready at their public house, on their website, and at stores across Maine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

mainecraftdistilling.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allen’s Coffee Brandy<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Did you think we would forget this Pine Tree State classic? Rooted in Maine heritage and tradition, Allen\u2019s Coffee Brandy first earned its popularity among fishermen who\u2019d put hair on their chests every morning with a swig of the coffee-flavored liquor. Now, Allen\u2019s is the number one selling spirit in all of Maine. They even sell collectible ceramics in the shape of famous Maine lighthouses, only available for purchase at select liquor stores. Here in Portland, we recommend Bow Street Beverage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

allenscoffeebrandy.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hardshore Gin<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Hardshore is a distilling company that expands how we think about gin by experimenting with new tastes and textures. Released in 2016, their flagship product Hardshore Original Gin is crafted from their own family-grown grain, with water sourced directly from Sebago Lake. The gin itself is flavored with fresh rosemary and mint, giving it a leafy-green profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out owner Jordan Mine\u2019s exclusive Grapefruit Sage Collins recipe below, which features Hardshore Original Gin. The drink strikes the perfect balance between complexity and simplicity, using ingredients that are easily sourced at your local grocery store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients
<\/strong>1 \u00bd oz. Hardshore Original Gin
1 oz. of sage simple syrup*
\u00be oz. fresh grapefruit juice
Seltzer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instructions
<\/strong>Combine gin, syrup, and grapefruit juice.
Top with seltzer.
Garnish with grapefruit wedge and sage sprig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*To make sage simple syrup, blanch one bunch of sage in boiling water for 10 seconds and immediately cool in ice water. Blend with 1 cup of simple syrup and strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

hardshoredistilling.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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