NEW Zealand’s Cardrona Distillery has invited UK bartenders to enter an international competition to concoct a signature cocktail that showcases The Reid single malt vodka.
The Reid Global Cocktail Competition’s first round opened on 1st February and will run until 29th March, during which time bartenders across the USA, UK and New Zealand can submit their cocktail recipes highlighting the distinctive flavour of the brand, described as a ‘decadently rich single malt vodka with notes of pear drops, lemon, toffee and malt biscuits’.
Following a series of regional heats, the 12 finalists will be given the ‘trip of a lifetime’ to New Zealand to compete for the championship title in October of this year.
This new competition follows the success of Cardrona’s inaugural 2022 Cardrona Club cocktail contest, which saw UK bartender Francesco Cercato, from London’s Scarfes Bar, crowned the global winner.
Managing director of Cardrona Distillery, Desiree Reid, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome bartenders to enter The Reid Vodka Global Cocktail Competition. This competition is a celebration of the bartending community and we look forward to showcasing all the wonderful The Reid cocktails and the bartenders who’ve made them.
“Our terroir here in the Cardrona Valley, combined with the raw materials we use, imparts unique characteristics that result in a decadently rich, weighted spirit,” she said. “The Reid is a beautiful vodka filled with character and flavour, which lends itself to special and unique crafted cocktails.
“The lucky 12 who make it to the grand final round can look forward to the trip of a lifetime as we introduce them to all the amazing sights and adventures this region has to offer, along with the opportunity to visit the home of The Reid.
“So whether you are a seasoned mixologist, or a creative cocktail maker that is new to the world of competitions, we want to hear from you!”
Bartenders interested in taking part can find out more – and access an entry form – online at thereid.co.nz.
