In this Pennsylvania city famous for “side cars” and “boxcars,” ten Butler area restaurants recently competed for top honors in concocting a signature cocktail that Butler could call its “own.”  By popular vote, the majority of more than 150 attendees chose the “Butler Breakfast,” created by Saxonburg Hotel, as their favorite, while a panel of judges collectively awarded their top honor to the “Boyd & Blair Blue Collar Cocktail,” created by Dingbat’s Restaurant.

Butler’s Own Cocktail Competition inspired the creativity of local bartenders from the American Legion Post 117, Aubrey’s Dubbs Dred, The Brick House, Dingbats, the Field House, the Island Bar, Mama Rosa’s, Natili’s South, Playmakers, and the Saxonburg Hotel; bringing many to The Brick House, which served as the venue for tasting and sampling of the ten entries in the competition.  Locally crafted Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka helped sponsor the event, with contributions from Minuteman Press, and local artist Eileen Stroup.  

The Saxonburg Hotel won the honors of serving the Most Popular Cocktail of Butler.  Mixologist Rob Lindsay of the Saxonburg Hotel created the Butler Breakfast, a martini that includes bacon-infused Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka, maple syrup, and a garnish of fried bacon (among other ingredients).  

Dingbats restaurant won bragging rights for having created Butler’s Own Cocktail for the year.  Bartenders Chad Ruediger and Scott Tunstall of Dingbat’s Restaurant in Butler concocted the Blue Collar Cocktail, a recipe of Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka, blueberry schnapps and a touch of melon.  The local franchise restaurant won the talents and creativity of artist Eileen Stroup who will create a signature piece of art for the N. Main Street establishment.

American Legion Post 117 and Natitli’s South tied for second place with martinis named the Legion Lemonade and Natilit’s Tiramisu, respectively.  All winning bartenders also received martini glass trophies and Boyd & Blair baseball caps.  Butler area visitors can taste any of the winning cocktails at their respective restaurants.