MAGAZINE

A stonewall classic

I can imagine there was a raised eyebrow or two when this year’s Classic Cocktail Competition finalists received the list of drinks they had to create at the annual final. Each year, these top-class bartenders are tasked with putting their own unique twist on six classic cocktails for a panel of industry judges, all of which have to be created under strict time conditions. 

While four of the six drinks – negroni, martini, rum punch and whiskey sour – were unquestionable inclusions on any classic cocktail menu, the additions of a mudslide and a Myrlemon spritz may have taken the bartenders a little bit out of their comfort zone. If not, it certainly made them think a little differently about what they were going to combine with the base spirits from sponsor JBE Imports. 

The fact that this competition brings together a variety of mixologists from pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels means judges are presented with myriad takes on what would usually be predictable serves. Whiskey sours with Guinness and apple infusions, coffee-infused gin in a negroni, a French-inspired martini with a saucisson and pickle garnish, a spritz based on two years of drinks development – the time and effort that went into every drink from every bartender was evident from start to finish. It’s no wonder some of the operators involved are now looking at introducing their winning drinks onto their menus. 

For me, the Classic Cocktail Competition represented the coming together of the cocktail community for the benefit of every business involved. Pub & Bar was able to host a brilliant selection of its readership; bartenders and brands got to explore and develop their drinks offer; and the sponsors involved were able to see what some of the best mixologists in the country can do with their products. A win all round. A stonewall classic. 

Tristan O’Hana - Editor