by Suzan Ryan: editor – bars&clubs
The 2014 Crystal Head Vodka Cocktail Challenge takes place next Monday September 22 at Mr Tipply’s, cnr King and Kent Streets, Sydney. The successful bartender will have their winning cocktail served to guests at ALIA, Luna Park Sydney, on October 29.
Co-hosted by bars&clubs magazine, the Crystal Head Vodka Cocktail Challenge requires five bartenders to create two cocktails in five minutes, both using Crystal Head Vodka, one with commercially available ingredients (which will be served at ALIA if they win), and the other displaying flair and originality to show off their creativity.
Competing bartenders are: Tom Egerton (Eau de Vie Sydney); Paige Aubort (Lobo Plantation); Andrew Watson (Marquee, Black by Ezard); Anais Araya Rocha (Brooklyn Social); and Connor Sainsbury (The Corner House).
Judges include: Natalie Ng (Eau de Vie, Palmer & Co., Sweet & Chilli); Jonathan Coates (Waugh Hotel Consultancy); Shane Porter (Combined Wines and Food: CHV); Suzan Ryan (Bars & Clubs).
As well as securing a signature drink at ALIA the winning bartender will also receive a magnum of Crystal Head Vodka signed by Founder, Dan Aykroyd, a Mr Tipply’s Gift Voucher to the value of $100, and two tickets to ALIA.
Last year’s winner was Ben Lancaster of The Kodiak Club, Melbourne, who impressed judge Dan Akroyd with his commercial cocktail, Jaguar Sun.
2013 winner Ben Lancaster with Dan Aykroyd
Industry and public supporters are invited to attend the mixology competition and cheer on the contestants on Monday September 22 from 10:00am at Mr Tipply’s The Attic, level 1, corner King and Kent Streets.