Kelsey Davis and Deborah Davis accepting the Cider Cup from Spirit of Athens Board member Robbin Hines
ATHENS-For two hours the caramel concoction brewed at Snapdragon Kids, waiting on cider lovers to arrive to enjoy samples during last Saturday’s Sippin’ Cider event in downtown Athens.
Snapdragon store owner Tiffany Seibert told her mother, Deborah Davis that the cider drink smelled and tasted like a caramel apple sucker.
“I love those apple caramel suckers,” Davis said. “We added whipped cream, and when people started arriving, they looked at it funny at first, but after they tasted it, they were smiling.”
The recipe Seibert found online won her store the coveted 2015 Cider Cup from the Spirit of Athens for having the highest score among downtown merchants. During the annual Sippin’ Cider event, shoppers tasted merchants’ cider recipes and scored them from 1 to 5. This was Snapdragon’s first win.
After receiving the handmade gold painted Cider Cup on Wednesday, Davis immediately set it front and center at the checkout counter for all to see.
“I’ve heard some joke it’s tacky,” Davis said, eyeing the sprig of holiday foliage attached to the cup. “I think it’s beautiful.”
Spirit of Athens Executive Director Trisha Black said some Sippin’ Cider voters left handwritten messages on their ballots thanking organizers for the
Trisha Black
holiday event that also included train rides for children, roasting marshmallows on The Square and children’s crafts. Among the comments were, “This was a great idea! We enjoyed visiting all the shops,” Hayle Swearinger, Huntsville, and “We had a wonderful evening. Thank you for your hospitality,” Janet Hightower, Madison.
Davis said the cider contest is good advertising for the merchants and encourages friendly competition.
“We gave out over 275 samples,” Davis said. “People love coming to taste all the recipes and get a thrill out of voting.”
While Snapdragon chose a sweet savor, Wildwood Deli, which one last year, focused on fresh ingredients like Isom’s apple cider, nutmeg and a vanilla bean. At High Cotton Arts, the public added spiced butter and red hots to their cider for a little more oomph.
“It’s fun to watch the merchants get competitive about who can make a cider the public loves, and who gets to have bragging rights for the year,” Black said.
Those who voted were entered into a drawing for door prizes. Here is the list of winners. Those who won can return to the store where their prize is located to claim it.
Tracey Cullier – Choice of U.S. flag with pole or cast iron corn pan from Hendricks-Patton-Rancl
Grapy Hovis – One free dinner at LuVici’s
Paula Curnutt – Heart of Athens 2016 calendar, note cards and $20 gift certificate from High Cotton Arts
Jon Lawniczak -Swan Creek Candle gift set from Trinity’s
Brian Rainey – Woolrich tree skirt from U.G. White
Penny Hovis – $25 gift certificate from Pablo’s
Melinda Ernest – Christmas angel from Snapdragon Kids
Justin Denton – Christmas gift bag from Bennett’s Clothing
Betsy Clark – Little piece of English luggage from Belles and Beaus
Ashlee Roberts – $50 gift certificate from Epiphany
Erin Clem – $50 gift certificate from Gray & Holt
