Independent drinks brand Franklin & Sons has launched its first-ever national cocktail competition, with a tempting top prize – the overall winning mixologist will have their rent paid for six months, up to a value of £3000.
Titled ‘Flavour in Motion’, the competition aims to take professional bartenders on a nostalgic journey back to day one, by tasking them to recreate the first cocktail they ever made.
“Their task is to demonstrate how their knowledge has evolved over time, by reimagining the cocktail to represent where they are today, and to showcase the journey they have been on,” said Franklin & Sons. “Here, their technique and storytelling, as well as the sustainability element of the cocktail, will all be considered.”
From entries received, the top 20 bars will be visited by brand ambassadors, to see the drinks made in situ before tasting.
10 finalists will then be selected and invited to London on w/c 15th July for the final, where each bartender will craft two cocktails, one of which must be created using only ingredients from a provided ‘mystery box’.
The panel of judges, comprising of drinks experts and ‘renowned figures from the bar scene’, will then vote and crown the winner, who will receive their share of the rent, paid for six months up to a value of £3000, to allow them ‘the freedom to be able to pursue their passions’.
Senior brand manager James Stimson said: “We’re delighted to be launching our inaugural cocktail competition this spring. It’s important for us as a brand to showcase our commitment not only to the industry, but the actual people within it, celebrating their successes and investing in their futures.
“We hope the prizes will provide the winners with the finance support required to be able to enhance their personal lives, elevating the individual, rather than solely creating ‘better bartenders’.”
