The Best Cocktail I’ve Ever Had Was at a Famous Maine Restaurant

Before this week, I thought I'd had some pretty yummy cocktails in my life. But still, after all these years, I had yet to find the one. 

Then, I found myself sitting aboard DiMillo's On the Water in Portland's Old Port at 25 Long Wharf, celebrating my mom's 76th birthday with family visiting from Pennsylvania, and everything changed. 

As my Uncle John put it, "Elizabeth, you are forever changed after you've found your cocktail." He was right.

The drink? The Lavender Haze. 

Now, I'm not usually the type to write love letters to cocktails, but this one deserves it. Made with vodka, lavender syrup, coconut cream, and lemon juice, it somehow manages to be refreshing, smooth, slightly floral, and ridiculously easy to drink all at the same time.

I say this honestly to be one of the best cocktails I've ever had. I even told Sophia, our server, who was excellent. 

Lizzy Snyder

Of course, the drink was only just a part of the experience. 

If you've never been to DiMillo's, it's one of those spots in Maine that everyone should experience at least once.

Get this, the restaurant sits pretty aboard a floating vessel right on Portland Harbor, with the most stunning waterfront views that make you want to stay for hours.

It has a very Titanic feel, pre-sinking of course. 

There was something special about celebrating my mom's birthday while looking out over the harbor, sharing stories, watching boats pass by, and enjoying great food with family we don't get to see nearly enough. 

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Sure, Portland has plenty of great restaurants.

But sometimes it's not just about the meal. It's about the atmosphere, the people around the table, and apparently, finding a cocktail so good you're still thinking about it days later. 

If you go, do yourself a favor: order the Lavender Haze. Thank me later.