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War at the Shore cocktail contest raises funds for local rescue

Sagamore Rye highlights mixology collaborations
Salt Air bartender Alex Taylor wins first place at the eighth annual War at the Shore bartender competition. The whiskey cocktail featured Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey. Shown are Taylor and his assistant Christine Faherty celebrating with the first-place cup. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
November 14, 2025

The eighth annual War at the Shore bartender competition was held Nov. 9 at Bethany Blues on Route 1 in Lewes. Proceeds from the event go to Grass Roots Rescue, a foster-based rescue in Milton. 

Bethany Blues bar manager Ryan Minnick created this year’s competition and teamed local bartenders with regional photographers, where the drinks in the contest were made in collaboration to feature historic/nostalgic Sussex County.

The drinks made in the contest highlighted Sagamore Rye and used the mixology as a fun way to spread awareness of interesting collaborations. 

First place overall went to Alex Taylor of Salt Air.

Lewes Oyster House bartender Chris Scanlon took second place and best collab with his drink “Farmer’s Heartbeat” and photographer Megan Steele. 

Maddie Zehr of Downtown Blues took third place with her drink East Coast Toast. 

For more information about Grass Roots Rescue, go to grrde.org or search for Grass Roots Rescue on Facebook. 

 

Lewes Oyster House bartender Chris Scanlon collaborated with photographer Megan Steele and took second-place overall cocktail and best collaboration. Shown are Lewes Oyster House staff (l-r) Megan Steele, Erikah Fitz, Mike Wright, Chris Scanlon, Shane Horvath and Tom Little.
Lewes Oyster House bartender Chris Scanlon, right, collaborated with photographer Megan Steele and took second-place overall cocktail and best overall collaboration.
Lefty’s Alley & Eats bartender Daniel Crouser and photographer Rebecca Wisiniewski collaborated. His drink of choice was the Black Manhattan that went with her photo of Lightship Overfalls.
Above the Dunes bartender Karl Hall made his famous cocktail Black Manhattan.
Victoria’s bartender Patty Cullen, right, collaborated with her sister photographer Maggie Cullen. Patty’s drink was Sage the Date.
Nalu bartender and general manager Richard Broadbent, right, collaborated with his brother photographer Hugh. His drink was the Colada Old Fashion.
Mike Shaw of Bethany Blues works on his cocktail Limon-Lavender Bliss while his assistant Alexis Conte looks on.
Photographer Natalee DeHart stands with her picture “January Sunset.” She collaborated with overall winner Alex Taylor.
Judges for the mixology contest are (l-r) Gin Dawson, Diana Wheeler and Tim Schestag.
Cambria Hotel bartender Rich Lilley works on his drink Root Beer Infusion while Cambria assistant general manager Lydia Croce looks on.
Nalu bartender and general manager Richard Broadbent mixes his Colada Old Fashion for the judges.
Bethany Blues Downtown bartender Madison Zehr and Ryon “Puff” Helminiak display a photo taken by Scott Nathan.
Jack North supports Grass Roots Rescue by purchasing a rescue T-shirt.
Bethany Blues bar manager Ryan Minnick, right, who created this year’s competition, thanks the crowd for its support of the competition and Grass Roots Rescue.
Bethany Blues Lewes bartender Mike Shaw makes his drink, the Limon Lavender Bliss, while photographer Stephanie Faust and emcee Spotty display the photo “Night Lights at the Harbor.” Faust sold her photo at auction and donated the proceeds to Grass Roots Rescue.
Grass Roots Rescue volunteers Sherri Cook, left, and Diana Wheeler give information about the rescue and sell T-shirts at the event.
Liz Osei and Kristina Kemp represent Sagamore Rye.
Emcee Spotty explains the drink ingredients as Cambria bartender Rich Lilley demonstrates the mixology.
Enjoying the drink Root Beer Infusion from Cambria bartender Rich Lilley are (l-r) Joe and Renee Chico, Jake Vereneault and Kenji Greenstreet.
Ethan Watkinson, left, and Peyton LeConte loves the tasty Colada Old Fashion libation from Nalu’s Richard Broadbent served by his photographer brother Hugh.
Having a hug at the successful event are Em and Liv McDonald and Bethany Blues Director of Operations Jessica Nathan.
Enjoying the tasting are (l-r) Karen and Jeff Stewart and Scott and Heather Milstein of Lewes.
A slideshow by volunteers Sherri Cook, left, and Diana Wheeler highlight the dogs available for adoption from Grass Roots Rescue.
Victoria’s bartender Patty Cullen mixes as her sister Maggie explains the collaboration between the drink and her picture “Entwined.”
Lefty’s bartender Abigail Tucker mixes their cocktail as their photographer Rebecca Wisinewski looks on.
Christi Hester, left, and Jules Gunning enjoy a tasty libation.
Bethany Blues Director of Operations Jessica Nathan explains the rules to the contest.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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