The Loft’s ‘Hulk’

Newcomers to Kent’s bar scene often are initiated via a handful of drinks from local bars. This undeniably includes The Loft’s notorious “Hulk,” a two-glass concoction with 7UP, Grizzly Energy Drink with a shot of vodka dropped in.

On a normal weekend night, bartenders prepare 40 on average.

It was Frank Jones who crafted the Hulk’s sister drink, The Rocket Pop (UV Blue and grenadine) eight years ago as a solution for customers who “didn’t like doing shots.”

He combined the sweet with the stinging, and the drink was born. Its green companion came soon after.

“And then it blew up,” Jones said. “And it’s been a nonstop bombfest since then.”

Priced at $4 a pop as a special, Jones said the drink has become one of the bar’s claims to fame — alongside its complementary peanuts — and it’s so popular. On St. Paddy’s Day, Jones said to have sold thousands.

Still, there are drawbacks to notoriety.

“You know, I’d like to make something different once in a while,” Jones said laughing.

Ray’s Place’s ‘Long Island Iced Tea’

The classic look-a-like to a non-alcoholic tea has been a simple five-ingredient recipe since its introduction by bartender Robert “Rosebud” Butt in early ‘70s New York.

The standard mix is composed of gin, vodka, rum, Triple Sec and tequila — sometimes with a shot of Coke to tame its high alcoholic content. Ray’s Place follows the classic recipe, without any clear delineation or added frills.

As far as being award-winning, owner Charlie Thomas gives his own explanation.

“It’s because we don’t use a mix,” Thomas said. “We pour the straight gin, rum, vodka and so on, all into the glass at the bar.”