Middletown Bartender Wins The Dunkin' Shake-Off Competition

MIDDLETOWN, CT – A Middletown bartender has emerged as the best mixologist in Connecticut, winning the Dunkin’ Shake-off Competition.

On July 19, three bartenders across Connecticut went head-to-head in a mixology competition to help Dunkin’ celebrate the summer shakers. These iced beverage enthusiasts are shaking, swirling and spinning their ice sips during the season.

The shake-off event was held outdoors at the Delmar Hotel in West Hartford

Neil Robinson from Krust Pizza in Middletown emerged as the cocktail winner. Neil’s innovative concoction earned him the title of making Dunkin’s Drink of the Summer and a $500 cash prize.

Contestants were challenged to create drink recipes featuring Dunkin’ Refreshers as the main ingredient.

“After seeing the success of the Mix-Off this past winter, we knew we had to shake up the summer with another mixology competition,” said Michelle McDonough, Senior Manager of Dunkin’ Field Marketing. “We’re so impressed by the talent and creativity of all the mixologists, as they expertly integrated their skills with the flavors and spirit of the Dunkin’ brand.”

The Judges’ panel, consisting of local Dunkin’ franchise owners, social media influencers, radio personalities, and the winner of the previous Mix-Off, determined the winner based on the criteria including taste, creativity and originally, cocktail presentation, ease of replication and intelligent use of a Dunkin’ Refresher flavor.

The Dunkin’ Shake-Off Competition follows February’s competition, Winter Warrior Mix-Off, where competing bartenders crafted signature cocktails containing Dunkin’ Cold Brew.

Also participating in the Dunkin’ Shake-Off competition were Rocco McNelly from The Charles in Wethersfield and Carolyn Flaherty from Elm City Social in New Haven.