The details are in and the prelim dates are set for one of the most popular annual cocktail competitions out there. The Beefeater MIXLDN cocktail competition is back.
As many of you know, this competition is a multi-stage format with local preliminary competitions happening in four markets, leading to a national final, where one bartender will move on to compete in London in the ultimate MIXLDN International final. The global final is one of the very best, most competitive competitions out there.
You’ll recall that last year, Vancouver’s own Gez McAlpine took both the Vancouver & National Final with his sensory driven take on the London Tube & tea based London Fog.
(photo credit: notable.ca)
Served in a Beefeater gin branded coffee cup, iPod with earbuds playing sounds of the London Tube and that day’s edition of the The London Times; Gez went over and above to ensure that the Judges had no other option but to send him further in the competition.
THE UNDERGROUND FOG
2oz Beefeater London Dry Gin
2oz Earl grey and Juniper infused clarified milk
4 dash Scrappys seville orange bitters
1 barspoon raw sugar
1 dash egg white
In Gez’ own words: “a twist on a gin milk punch, designed to resonate with the ritual of the morning ride of the tube in London.”
Given the talent & creativity in today’s competition forum I have no doubt we’ll see some next-level concepts.
This year’s details are as follows below in the statement crom Corby/Pernod Ricard:
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The Beefeater MIXLDN Global Bartender Competition is back!
This is the 4th year the competition has been running and it has grown into becoming one of the top bartender competitions in the world and is the leading gin-based competition in the world! Gin is a favourite spirit for bartenders to mix cocktails with, so this world renowned bartender competition is an incredible opportunity to further build OP relationships and grow advocacy for Beefeater with bartenders. For a quick video about the competition format, check out this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv5svTarbOg
The competition format will be run very similarly to last year. We will host Local Finals in 4 markets: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. The top two bartenders from each Local Final will win a trip to Toronto to compete in the National Final. The top bartender from the National Final will win a trip to London to compete the Global Final.
Competition Promotion/Communication
Promotion and communication for the competition will be driven via Facebook. One master Facebook group will be created to communicate the competition format and details, and for inviting bartenders to participate.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/922725994464615/?notif_t=group_description_change
Competition Format
Each bartender will be asked to submit a cocktail recipe that is a classic gin cocktail that they have modernized with either new updated ingredients, techniques or twists, and inspired by the evolution of London (there is also an explanation on the format in the video link above).
Competition Entry
To enter, bartenders must submit their drink recipes online via the Beefeater MIXLDN website
www.beefeatermixldn.com.
Once their recipes are entered, they will receive a confirmation email. Once the website closes, all submitted drink recipes will then be reviewed by the Corby Brand Ambassador Team and the top 10 recipes will be selected to compete in the Local Final.
Local Finals
Local Finals will take place in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal in an on-premise partner account.
National Final
The National Final will take place in Toronto on Monday, October 20th.
Competition Timing
– Bartenders can submit their recipes from Aug 7th until the closing date of Monday, Aug. 31st.
– Local Finals will take place between September 7th and September 30th.
