Whitewater Derby Mini Pub Crawl and Recipes

North Creek's annual Whitewater Derby is an event which deserves proper recognition - of the drink persuasion. We spent some time on "research" last week, creating the Whitewater Rushin', and an interesting variation; its subtle maple flavor and frothy finish a tribute to spring in the northeast. It's been some time since we were at Whitewater Derby - back when it was just a great excuse to party, camping at the ski bowl, an inch of snow on the roof of the VW bus, and no watercraft in sight. Considering our current livelihood, it was high time we returned, so we had our own private, mini pub crawl in North Creek on Saturday.

Whitewater Rushin'
1 oz. Sapling Maple Liqueur
1/2 oz. Amaretto
1 oz. vanilla vodka
2 oz. cream or milk
Shake with ice or use a blender

Beginning with Trapper's at the Copperfield Inn, Pam ordered a "Snow Bunny Martini", a delicious grape-flavored concoction that set the tone for the afternoon. We met a newcomer to North Creek, Michael, who had just begun the arduous task of tearing down an existing home and putting up a camp. Good luck with that, Michael. We couldn't stay long; we had planned to visit five of the local pubs, including Laura's which we have yet to review. As we headed out, under the gaze of Teddy Roosevelt's moose, bedecked in his own derby number, Pam remarked that Trapper's has, by far, the very best outdoor ashtray we have yet seen.

Snow Bunny Martini
3 Olives grape vodka
Whipped cream vodka
Cream

Off we went to the Barking Spider. We hadn't been there since February and were pleased to find it quite crowded and noisy and we managed to grab a couple of seats at the bar. Pam couldn't decide which direction her next cocktail should take from the grapes of Trappers and, ironically, the bartender suggested the Grape Crush. A theme was emerging. It was even more delicious than the previous drink.

Pam went outside to see what was happening on the deck (perhaps "landing" more aptly describes it) and talked to some nice people about the Derby - the Kentucky Derby. Two kayaks paddled by on the Hudson, lending a feeling of being a part of the Whitewater Derby! That's more than we've ever seen in our history of attending. Hmmm, what if OTB got involved in whitewater racing??? When it was time for the ladies on the deck to order, they advised their companions that they wanted what Pam was having. She must have had "delicious" written all over her face as she sipped her beverage because she hadn't commented on it. Upon further reflection, perhaps it was the pint sized glass the drink came in that attracted their attention.

Grape Crush
Grape vodka
Chambord
Splash of craberry juice
Top off with Sprite

And we're off...to do a review of Laura's. We popped in and found it totally empty; even the bartender was missing. So we scooted out undetected, planning to stop at barVino. With the grape theme going, that would have been an obvious choice, but Pam didn't think their grapes would complement the grapes she had already consumed. So, it was decided, one last stop at Basil & Wicks, then home.

Pam once said, "A good tavern is one that makes strangers feel they are in their own home town." Basil & Wick's is like going home. From our parking space we could see into the dining room, where Jane, the owner, was waving to us. She even came out onto the porch to greet us, making us feel really special. She proudly showed Kim her newest museum piece - a barstool from the original Basil & Wick's, hermetically sealed in its own plexiglass case. The bar was fairly full and we actually knew a few people there, among them local music legend Hank Soto, of Stony Creek Band fame. We will actually be reviewing the Stony Creek Inn next week, celebrating its reopening on Sunday, May 15, featuring the Stony Creek Band. You know 'em, you love 'em... Hope to see some of you there!