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HOW DO YOU MAKE YOURS? C
ocktailista pits bartender against bartender in head-to-head competition to make their version of the Ramos Gin Fizz. Independently organized – No brand influence, no corporate sway – bartenders get to make the drink any way they want. The only rule is ‘honor the spirit of the original cocktail’. The rules for the competition were simple; bartenders were free to use any gin, flourish, garnish, glass, special ingredient or preparation method that they wished – the aim of the game or for the more appropriate word ‘cocktail competition’ was to just make the best goddamn Gin Fizz in the city. The Great Ramos Fizz Shakedown competition was held at Blackbird, that gathered bartenders together featuring some of Hong Kong’s old cocktail pros and then a few fresh faces to the scene. For a few it was their first cocktail competition, which was great to see and we encourage them to continue entering competitions as everyone did a damn fine job. Taking first place on the night was Charles Chiang from Mamoz with his Butterina cocktail, earning himself the champion title and taking home $3,000. Second place went to Erik Andersson, Hendrick’s Gin Brand Ambassador and third place going to Austen Lendrum from Honi Honi.
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A special ‘thank you’ needs to go out to the four judges on the night, including Sam Tam (Uber Bar Tools), Michael D. Callahan (Proof & Co), Ali Ahmadi (Worldwide Lounges, Cathay) and Marc Rodrigues (Drinks World Asia).
We’ll all look forward to the next Cocktailista competition that will be held in November this year. We hope to see all same faces and new, emerging talents to enter as it’s not a competition to be missed.
DRINKS WORLD ASIA
DWA HK Ed7 2014 pp30-35 RAMOS FIZZ SHAKEDOWN.indd 30
8/19/2014 3:43:58 PM