Bartenders across the UK are being invited to share the stories behind their drinks, bars and communities in a new competition organised by Hoxton Spirits, the UK Bartenders Guild and InDrinks.
The competition, which will take place at the InDrinks drinks and hospitality show at the SEC Glasgow on the 6 and 7 March, aims to showcase the UK’s most talented mixologists as they go head to head to win a £1000 prize.
Hoxton Spirits business development manager for Scotland & Northern Ireland, Matthew Doyle, said: “We are really proud to be launching this competition in partnership with In Drinks and the UK Bartenders Guild.
“As a brand that has our neighbourhood at heart, we really wanted to allow bartenders to shout about their community through this competition. Giving complete freedom on flavour and ingredients to really let that be the core of their drink and message.”
To enter, bartenders should submit their signature serve, using at least one of the liquids in the Hoxton Spirits range, alongside a photo and the story behind its creation.
The Hoxton Spirits range includes Tropical Gin, Pink Gin, Dry Gin, London Spritz Amaro, Spiced Whisky Limited Batch and Banana Rum Macerated. Tasting notes and information can be found here.
“We would love to see entries that reflect and talk about what inspires people about the local community of their bar, allowing for a varied and interesting roster of cocktails that will showcase regions and communities across the country.”
The winner of the In-Drinks Bartender competition will also be offered a tailor-made HIT Scotland scholarship to help with their development within the drinks industry via an inspirational learning experience.
Director of sales for InDrinks Paula Dickson, said: “Hosting the latest iteration of the InDrinks Bartenders Competition is one of the absolute highlights of the show.
“It’s a chance for some of the best mixologists and creatives in the hospitality scene to work their magic, creating some fabulous cocktails and really setting the bar for what is considered a good drink.
“Having partner organisations like Hoxton and the UKBG is also an indicator of how seriously the industry takes this competition. With Hoxton’s fabulous range of spirits, and the UK’s premier bartending organisation endorsing the competition, it’s sure to result in some breathtaking – and best-tasting – entries.”
President of the UK Bartenders Guild, Claudia Carrozzi, added: “As the UK’s leading bartender organisation, we’re proud to be partnering with InDrinks and Hoxton to showcase the true talent of the industry in the UK.
“Mixology is a true artform, especially when performed by bartenders with a real passion for creativity, so getting to showcase their skills to the thousands of visitors to the show will be a truly special occasion.
“In a post-Covid world, we’re seeing people really step out again and look for those unique experiences and opportunities where they can get something special, especially when it comes to drinks and cocktails. It’s no surprise that competitions like this are becoming so big.”
But the entry deadline isn’t far away – 21 February – so anyone wanting to take part should head to the UKBG website here to submit their entry and read the terms and conditions.
