The Australian Gin Cocktail Cup is a cocktail competition with a difference as each bartender has a different gin to work with and must include at least one native botanical in their creation.
The competition, founded by the Australian Gin Distillers Association in conjunction with leading bar owner Mikey Enright, is now taking registrations for its Open Day, which take place at the Barber Shop in Sydney next week.
That open day allows bartenders to pick their one bottle of gin, as well as a selection of five tonic waters, which come from The Artisan Drinks Company.
Competition Chairman, Enright, said: “The CEO of the Australian Gin Distillers Association Judith Kennedy AM invited me to Chair ‘The Australian Gin Cocktail Cup’ in 2018 and now 2019. I feel it’s a great initiative to have an independent Gin focused cocktail competition.
“Bartenders notified and chosen as finalists will be given a choice from 70+ Australian gin brands (most brands will be taking part in the Sydney Gin Palooza) to choose for their cocktail recipe. So this competition will not only give some independence to the bartender but also potentially create more awareness of the Australian Gin market.
“This year we have partnered with Artisan Drinks Co as the official mixer sponsor. The new premium mixer that is now available in Australia and launched in the UK in 2018. The range has a Classic London, Skinny London (low cal), Violet Blossom, Agave Lemon & Pink Citrus Tonics.”
The interesting aspect of this competition is that it does require some different thinking because there is only one gin brand per bartender or cocktail, so miss out on your gin of choice at the open day and you may need to re-think your cocktail. As mentioned previously competitors must also include at least one Australian native botanical but this can be either in the gin itself or as an addition to the cocktail.
After the open day bartenders have until Monday 30 September to submit a video of the cocktail making process alongside a written recipe. The three judges, comprising Jason Crawley, Andy Penny and last year’s winner Giacomo Franceschi will assess the entries and the top six finalists will be announced on Friday 4 October, with the final due to take place on Monday 14 October.
Head to the Australian Gin Awards website to register your interest.
