Exeter’s Great Cocktail Challenge: Who will mix the best drink?

EXETER — Who has the best cocktail in the Exeter area?

The Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce's Great Cocktail Challenge seeks to find out.

“Some of the region’s best libations are found right here in the Exeter area," said Jennifer Wheeler, president of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. "I hope that community members sample responsibly, have a plan, and enjoy some of the creative cocktails that are offered by our participating restaurants. We want people to visit them and spend time in our community, which also supports our local businesses.”

The Great Cocktail Challenge kicked off July 19 and runs until July 28. Community members are invited to visit participating restaurants to sample and vote via a QR code for their favorite. A map and photos of the cocktails restaurants are preparing are available at www.exeteraera.org.

Last year's winner was STREET restaurant in Exeter. Their winning mixologist, Liz Hallahan, shared some advice to those competing this year.

“You want to make something that will stand out but also approachable,” said Hallahan. “Consider something unique with summer flavors.”

The event, underwritten by Exeter Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center, was created to celebrate the creativity and deliciousness of restaurants in the Exeter area.

The mission of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce is to engage businesses, organizations, and the community to promote local commerce and culture. They represent the communities of Brentwood, East Kingston, Epping,Exeter, Kensington, Kingston, Newfields, Newmarket, Raymond and Stratham. If you are interested in chamber membership, please call 772-2411, email info@exeterarea.org, or visit www.exeterarea.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter’s Great Cocktail Challenge: Who will mix the best drink?