If You Mix It, They Will Come (and Drink This Corny, Championship Cocktail)

Caitlin Corcoran and her award winning cocktail.

Last weekend Port Fonda's Caitlin Corcoran took first place in the annual Paris of the Plains Bartending Competition. I won't feign surprise that a woman won a competition that is overrepresented by men as I've learned that some of the very best bartenders in this city hail from the fairer sex.

While I wouldn't call myself a regular, I have been hanging out at Caitlin's bar for as long as she's been there and have always been a fan. Creativity, consistency, and respect for the drink. A real charmer too.


Speaking of creativity. Her winning cocktail Field of Dreams is actually inspired by one of Port Fonda's most popular appetizer - Esquite Asado (grilled sweet corn). Caitlin described her drink to me the week before the competition and I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. Luckily for me, and all of Kansas City, a slightly modified version of the cocktail is available at Port Fonda beginning tonight. I got a preview last night and loved it.

The recipe for the competition version of Field of Dreams is at the bottom of this post. If you plan on making this at home please invite me over for happy hour. I leave this kind of drink to the pros and look forward to one or more the next time I'm at Port Fonda.

Field of Dreams as prepared at Port Fonda