Derby daze

Planning a party for Saturday’s running of the Kentucky Derby? Instead of the traditional mint julep, try this Run for the Roses cocktail recipe from Grey Goose vodka. Add 3 parts orange vodka, 2 parts peach brandy, 2 parts southern sweet iced tea and 2 parts lime juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into rocks glasses filled with crushed ice; pour Chambord so that it floats on the top of the drink. Garnish drink with rose petals.

Java jones?

Sometimes, a regular cup of coffee just doesn’t do the trick. That’s where Shock Coffee, a hyper-caffeinated coffee with over 50 percent more caffeine than other gourmet coffees, comes in. It’s now available in Maine, with hot brewed coffee, ready-to-drink chilled beverages and chocolate-covered coffee bean candies called Shock-a-Lots. To buy, visit your nearest Big Apple. For more information, visit www.shockcoffee.com.

Cooking with class

If you’re a foodie who’s hungry to learn, check out Pairings, the new food and wine education center in Winterport, located next to the Winterport Winery. At Pairings, Chef Kathy Winberg teaches small cooking classes, hosts private events and plans to hold wine dinners in the state-of-the-art teaching kitchen. Classes include Mad About Meatloaf, Gourmet at Home, Spectacular Spring Soups, Hors d’Oeuvres for Entertaining and Vegetarian Cooking, with an emphasis on innovative dishes. Classes are held Tuesday through Saturday, and a full class schedule can be found at www.pairingsinmaine.com. For information, call 223-0990.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.