Out of the blue

Got the blues? So do regulars at the New Moon Cafe in Bangor, where the new blueberry martini has become the hottest drink in town.

“I am not a drinker and really don’t like alcohol, but I have been converted,” said Kristin Canders of Brewer, who has since returned three times to satisfy her craving for the drink.

Several weeks ago, Paul Noonan and a bartender were trying to concoct new drinks using Vox apple vodka. They also happened to have a bunch of Maine blueberries on hand. A customer from North Carolina came in and remarked that she adds blueberries to fresh-squeezed lemonade for a sweet-tart treat.

The folks at New Moon put it all together, and now they can’t make enough of the tangy, not-too-sweet cocktail. Even guys who wouldn’t be caught dead sipping a cosmo have been won over by the refreshing taste.

“It’s an incredible reaction,” Noonan said. “If I have it, it’s pretty much the drink I sell for the night.”

In addition to the flavor, Noonan said, the blueberry martinis have hidden benefits, as well.

“They’re good for you,” he said, smiling. “They have antioxidants, vitamin C.”

Oh yeah, and a little vodka, too.