EXETER, NH (Azat TV) — Water Street restaurant Il Cornicello has swept both major categories at the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Great Cocktail and Mocktail Challenge, securing an unprecedented double victory with its Italian-inspired summer beverages. The popular local establishment captured the votes of regional diners to secure the “best cocktail” title for the second consecutive year, while simultaneously claiming its first-ever victory in the highly competitive “best mocktail” category.
The Exeter Chamber’s annual challenge is designed to stimulate local commerce and highlight the culinary diversity of the downtown district. Participating restaurants and bars feature special seasonal creations on their menus, allowing customers to sample the drinks and cast their votes online or via physical ballots over the course of the competition. Il Cornicello’s double win highlights the restaurant’s growing reputation within the vibrant culinary scene of Exeter, New Hampshire, drawing significant attention to its beverage program.
The path to this year’s double victory involved a collaborative effort by the restaurant’s dedicated team. To prepare for the high-stakes community competition, the staff at Il Cornicello held an internal, in-house contest to brainstorm unique drink recipes that would resonate with summer diners. Bartender Sophia Lemerise emerged as the creator of the winning cocktail. Her creation, which shares its name with the restaurant, is officially named “Il Cornicello.” The drink features a carefully balanced blend of vodka, blood orange liqueur, passion fruit liqueur, blood orange juice, fresh lime, and prosecco.
The flavor profile of the winning beverages was specifically crafted to evoke the sun-drenched atmosphere of an Italian summer, a theme that resonated strongly with local patrons during the voting period. While the cocktail category victory solidifies the restaurant’s established reputation from the previous year, the mocktail title marks a new milestone for the establishment. This achievement reflects the rising consumer demand for high-quality, complex non-alcoholic craft beverages that offer the same level of sophistication as traditional cocktails.
By winning both categories, Il Cornicello has demonstrated its versatility in catering to diverse customer preferences, cementing its position on Water Street as a premier destination in Exeter’s competitive dining landscape. The Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce’s challenge continues to serve as a vital promotional platform, helping local businesses engage with the community and showcase culinary innovation.