Bénédictine crowns London’s cocktail champion

Bénédictine Liqueur has crowned Andy Loudon, bartender at London’s 69 Colebrook Row, the winner of their London mixologist competition.

 

Andy fought off stiff competition from five other skilled entrants, to win a once in a life -time paid trip to France in September, including a visit to the liqueur’s birthplace in Fécamp, Normandy and a Cocktail Safari in Paris, courtesy of Bénédictine. All six aspiring mixologists were required to create a new cocktail containing a minimum of 35ml Bénédictine, which was then marked on taste, aroma and presentation. The entrants themselves were also judged on their knowledge of the Bénédictine brand and their cocktails ingredients.

Andy impressed the judges with his three-part cocktail “D.O.M” which was made using Bénédictine, Sherry, and Lemon, garnished with lemon zest, mint and amaro cherries. A Bénédictine inspired sorbet was then created and finished with a cologne spray made with its residue, as an accompaniment to the cocktail.

Winner Andy said, “ I heard about the competition when it was in its first heat in Manchester, and couldn’t wait for it to come to London. I love using Bénédictine as a cocktail ingredient, and it was great to see how others use it in their own creations too. The trip in September sounds incredible and I’m looking forward to sampling some Bénédictine in its home town!”

Paul Curry, brand manager for Bénédictine Liqueur, said: “Andy’s cocktail, D.O.M, was fantastic, and his knowledge of the brand blew us away. We look for cocktails that would appeal to all age groups and D.O.M definitely fitted the bill.  The standard was so incredibly high, but Andy was a definite winner for all three judges, and we hope he enjoys his trip in September!”

The London competition took place in Shaker BarSchool, and was the second of three regional contests, with the first being held at Socio Rehab in Manchester in June and the next at Shaker BarSchool in Birmingham on 21^st August.