Flavorful fundraiser: Seasonal mocktail on menu at upcoming Taste of the Abingtons

Brooke Williams, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·2 min read

Oct. 8—Find a new favorite restaurant while supporting a local cause.

The Rotary Club of the Abingtons hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year, Taste of the Abingtons, on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Country Club of Scranton, 1001 Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit.

Supporters will have the chance to sample signature dishes and beverages from 30 area vendors in a tradition that dates back at least 18 years, said Gail Cicerini, co-chairwoman for Taste of the Abingtons.

Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased by visiting eventbrite.com or stopping at PS Bank, 100 Old Lackawanna Trail, Clarks Summit, or FNCB Bank, 269 E. Grove St., Clarks Green, during business hours. Tickets will also be available at the event.

Those participating in the fundraiser include Alter House Restaurant & Bar in South Abington Twp., which specializes in farm-to-table cuisine and lets the season define its menu.

That doesn't stop at the bar with offerings like the Farm-to-Bar Hardcore Orchard Mocktail, a signature beverage at Taste of the Abingtons.

Amanda Dodge, bar manager at Alter House, said it's the perfect autumn beverage for people who want to observe "Sober October" and abstain from drinking alcohol for the month.

To her surprise, mocktails (cocktails without alcohol) have grown quite popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that having a mocktail gives customers the chance to enjoy a fancy cocktail, just without the alcohol.

"I never thought mocktails would come onto the scene like this, but we sell a ton of them," she said. "I try to keep them seasonal."

Alter House shared a recipe for the seasonal mocktail and its homemade spiced pear simple syrup with Local Flavor. Dodge said Alter House shops locally for the pears, honey and apple cider used in the beverage as part of its farm-to-table mission.

For extra flavor, bartenders coat the rim of the mason jar glasses with caramel and cinnamon sugar. Those who prefer an alcoholic version can substitute the Seedlip Spice 94 Non-Alcoholic Spirit for Casamigos Reposado Tequila.

Guests at Taste of the Abingtons can also expect live entertainment, door prizes, raffles and more, Cicerini said.

The fundraiser allows the Rotary Club of the Abingtons to continue giving back to the area by promoting local causes and businesses, contributing to organizations in the Abingtons and hosting fundraisers. Its biggest undertaking is the annual Independence Day fireworks display at Abington Heights Middle School. The Rotary is always looking for ways to support the community, Cicerini said.

"We are a service group and our motto is 'Service above self,'" she said.

For more information, visit the Facebook page for Rotary Club of the Abingtons.

Contact the writer:

bwilliams@scrantontimes.com; 570-348-9100 x5107;

@BWilliamsTT on X.