Shaken, stirred to action

USA TODAY, August, 2008

As Democrats take center stage at the convention in Denver, USA TODAY reporters are tracking what happens off- and backstage, too. For up-to-the-minute dispatches, visit policitalparty.usatoday.com.

Donkey drinks: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel downtown is quickly turning into a hot spot, thanks in part to its swanky bar, Elway's Downtown. General manager Damian Jenkins decided to gin up a few special drinks in honor of visiting Democrats.

"The last one, which has to do with the vice presidential nominee, was dreamed up by bartender Don Kang at 3 a.m. Saturday morning right after his shift ended," he says.

That would be the "Biden My Time," a mix of acai-blueberry and double espresso vodka, shaken together with a splash of Navan Vanilla. It's finished with a touch of Go-Fast energy drink.

The hottest seller so far? "The Changing Tide," says Jenkins. "It ...