Drinks anyone?

Part of the ongoing Oregon Bounty, there is now an "Unofficial Official Oregon Cocktail." This years selection was announced at the Oregon Bounty kick-off event in Portland. After pouring over nearly 200 recipes, two rounds of judging, seven regional finalists were selected. The recipes are a creative and enticing collection of cocktails using Oregon’s artisan distilled spirits and ingredients from throughout the state. The judges selected Hike, Fish & Go Camping Punch by Cheryl Meloy of Portland. This drink includes huckleberry syrup, Terminal Gravity IPA, Pendleton whisky and more.

Here is the recipe:
Hike, Fish & Go Camping Punch
Eastern Oregon
Cheryl Meloy, Portland

Serves 4
5 oz Pendleton Whisky (this is a Canadian Whiskey named after the Pendleton Round up)

4 oz (1/3 of 12 oz can) frozen lemonade
4 oz (1/3 of 12 oz can) frozen limeade
4 oz huckleberry syrup
2 bottles Terminal Gravity IPA
Mint sprigs for garnish

Mix together the first four ingredients in large pitcher. Slowly stir in both bottles of beer. Pour punch into a tall, ice-filled glass. Top with mint sprig and serve.

To make huckleberry syrup: Heat to a slow boil 2 cups berries (fresh or frozen; you can substitute blueberries for huckleberries) with 1 cup sugar and 2 cups water. Slow boil for 20 -30 minutes, cool slightly and strain mixture through fine mesh sieve. Work the mash to get all the fluid through the sieve before discarding the skins. You may also cool syrup and store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

“This is an easy, fun loving punch. With a warm whisky, flavorful micro brew, and a handful of wild berries, it’s a real Eastern Oregon concoction. A new twist on the youthful Hop, Skip & Go Naked and classic Whisky sour, this recipe crosses the generational gap and quenches the thirst of all revelers seeking a taste of Eastern Oregon’s high country.”

For all the finalists recipes, click here.

Part of the Bounty celebration this year was an Oregon Distiller's Guild Spirits Tasting.  The event featured a general tasting of the artisan spirits from members of the Oregon Distillers Guild, each distiller provided samples of up to two of their products. In addition, the Oregon Distillers Guild bar featured traditional and creative cocktails that incorporate Oregon spirits.

Here are some more eat and drink events happening around the state during Oregon Bounty.  We have our Oregon Bounty wine package too.  You can also order a bottle during your stay from our wine list.

My favorite beverage, let's see, I would have to say it's Pacific City water out of a hose in the back yard of The Craftsman B&B.  Just don't splash any on my feet.

Coelho Harvest Party

Mike and Laura made a few trips this weekend with out me.  Yesterday evening, they drove to house and vineyard of Dave and Deolinda Coelho. The photo is of the Pinot Noir vines, ready to harvest, as the moon is rising. They had a barn dance and all sorts of food and wine. all the guests were asked to bring a wine to share, so there were lots to choose from. Mike tried several Pinot's, one from a "mystery" bottle, no label. They walked around the vineyard for a bit but Laura, like me, didn't like the propane cannons going off every few minutes. The noise is supposed to keep the birds from "harvesting" the grapes. As the sun went down and the birds roosted for the night, the cannons were shut off. The grounds were very nice with interesting plants and fruit trees and bushes, they are farmers, so they are good at landscaping. They didn't stay too long, but talked with Deolinda for a while and met other guests. They took a back way home and may have discovered a quick sort cut form Pacific City to Amity.

Coelho has a tasting room in downtown Amity. They have re-used an old building and is one of Mike and Laura's favorite places to visit.

Saturday, Mike and Laura went to another place where dogs are not allowed.  The opening of Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge that I wrote about here.  They parked in the lower lot and were shuttled up to the upper lot.  Hiked up to the new platform and heard the ribbon cutting ceremony.  After all the official business and great views of the Bay, Haystack Rock and Cape Kiawanda, they joined a bird watching tour that took them to places off limits to regular visitors.  They hiked down the trail and road to a power line road out to the Nestucca Bay / Little Nestucca river inlet.  They saw and heard many birds.  It was great to have a walk like that guided by a person who really knows birds.  Mike got to add a few to his life list.  They got a quick visit by a belted kingfisher, common to the area but limited in range, the sighting was in a perfect spot where you would likely see one.  When Mike lived in Piedmont, California, he watch a kingfisher fish out a neighbors koi pond in a few days.  The migratory birds haven't shown up yet but there were lots of local geese and ducks on the bay.  Mike will be out there many more times I'm sure.

After the hike, Mike and Laura went down to the Neskowin Valley School Harvest Festival that I wrote about here.  They toured the silent auction and check on how their donation was doing in the bidding but didn't stay long as they needed to get ready for a new group of guests here at The Craftsman B&B.

So this was about the kinds of things Mike and Laura do with out me, but it shows that they do know about all sorts of different events around the area.  Come on down to Pacific City, there will be something for you to do, just ask.