Entries close on Sunday 31st March for Giffard Liqueurs’ 27th annual West Cup Cocktail Competition, themed the ‘Art of Balance’. Mixologists from around the UK are asked to develop a serve that reflects what makes their life as balanced as their cocktail creation, and allows them to showcase the perfect harmony of flavours, techniques and creativity in cocktail making.
This year’s competition is all about finding that sweet spot between staying connected online, chasing career goals, taking care of oneself, and keeping up with friends and family. The West Cup Competition will challenge participants to craft cocktails that embody the essence of balance both in flavour and in life. Drawing inspiration from Giffard’s legacy of crafting premium liqueurs with carefully curated ingredients, contestants are encouraged to explore the delicate interplay between flavours, textures, and aromas, as well as the philosophy of enjoying a ‘balanced’ life.
Coordinated by Mangrove, the competition will have 4 regional heats (in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow), culminating in a national final. The competition will be judged by a panel of esteemed judges such as Camille Vidal, Jay Rivera and Joel De Fries as well as other leading mixologists, industry experts and representatives of Giffard Liqueurs.
Each bartender creates a cocktail to reflect how their life is balanced beyond the bar. They will be judged on demonstrating how they are an artist in their lives, and not just behind the bar. At the national final candidates will be asked to create a cocktail on the spot from a basket of selected Giffard and Mangrove products revealed on the day.
The overall winner will win a return flight with accommodation for two to discover another cocktail culture. Mixologists from 18 countries are selected to compete in this prestigious competition.
But UK bartenders must be quick to enter as the key dates are:
31 Mar Entries close
15 Apr Birmingham regional final at the Fox and Chance
16 Apr Manchester regional final at The Daisy
17 Apr London regional final at Brasserie Zedel
30 Apr Glasgow regional final at The Gate
21 May National final at Dear Darling
Sept Grand Final in Angers, France
Sign up here!