By Sacha Delfosse
The Rangoon Gin Fizz, created by Atlanta bartender Eric Simpkins has been named this year’s Official Cocktail for the Tales of the Cocktail festival, with his floral take on the original Ramos Gin Fizz impressing the judges.
“When I first viewed Eric's recipe for his Rangoon Gin Fizz, I thought each component was a perfect fit. As a New Orleanian, Simpkins’ creation respects the original recipe, which is so important to me. A beautifully exotic cocktail with floral notes that is so inviting that I can't wait for everyone to experience his cocktail,” competition judge, Lu Brow, explained.
Made with Old Raj gin, lime juice, simple syrup, heavy cream, absinthe, cardamom tincture, Fee Brothers Jasmine water and Fever Tree Lemon Tonic, the Rangoon Gin Fizz recipe beat almost 200 other entries from bartenders around the globe.
Every year Tales of the Cocktail challenges the international cocktail community to reinterpret one classic cocktail with the winning cocktail served throughout the festivities.
Simpkins also received a $1,250 cash prize and his cocktail will be featured in the summer issue of The Tasting Panel magazine.
The victory adds to his list of bar industry accolades gained over the past few years including winning the national Tanqueray & Tonic cocktail contest and coming runner up in the GQ & Bombay Sapphire’s annual Inspired Bartender Search.
To watch Simpkins in action, click here.