Earlier this month, we have decided to celebrate the successful completion of a series of toolkits created to some of our partner brands at Pernod Ricard by hosting Missouri’s first cocktail competition: The Missouri Masters.
The idea for the Missouri Masters came after some in the team attended to this year’s Chivas Masters – a well-established global cocktail competition that celebrates both craftsmanship and teamwork; two very important characteristics Chivas believes is at the heart of modern bartending.
The brief was for each member of the team to apply the things we learn everyday working with these brands in the creation, as well as the presentation, of a brand new cocktail that encapsulates our own individualities.
All participants had to use at least one of the Pernod Ricard brands we work with in their creations.
The competition was judged by our two founders, Stuart Wood and Paul Brennan, and also featured one guest judge.
Below you can read the descriptions of the four winning cocktails – the quality of the entries was too high, making it hard to pick winners, so we end up with a shared third place.
WINNER
1ST PLACE – Liam McHugh
NAME
Storm in a Tea Cup
DESCRIPTION
A lot of unnecessary anger and worry about a matter that is not important. So sit back, relax and enjoy a dark and stormy in a tea cup!
INGREDIENTS
480ml Boiling water
4 x Peppermint tea bags
300g Caster sugar
240ml Lime juice
4 x Passionfruit
240ml Havana Club 3 Anos rum
200ml Soda water
Mint to garnish
METHOD
Steep 4 peppermint tea bags in the boiling water.
Add to the peppermint tea the caster sugar and lime juice, stir, then refrigerate until chilled.
Add in 4 the pulp of passion fruits, Havana Club 3 Anos rum and soda water.
Serve in a tea cup over ice and garnish with mint.
2ND PLACE – Emma Wadworth
NAME
The Kiwi London
DESCRIPTION
Green space clears the brain, and this is exactly where I want this drink to take you; away from the concrete jungle of London and to the green gardens of New Zealand. This cocktail is more on the tangy and rugged side, rather than too fruity or sweet. The infused rosemary water and Manuka Honey adds a lovely resiny flavour to this cocktail, with pairs nicely with the tart lime and juniper-rich gin. The combination of London Dry Gin and ripe New Zealand Kiwi Fruit creates a refreshing cocktail for all the senses.
INGREDIENTS
60ml of Beefeater London Dry Gin
20ml Fresh lime juice
20ml Manuka honey tea
20ml Infused rosemary water
1 Tablespoon sugar syrup
Dash of Fever Tree soda
1 Ripe kiwi fruit
Rosemary sprig to garnish
METHOD
Muddle the kiwi fruit and rosemary leaves.
Add the gin, elderflower, lime and sugar syrup.
Fill mixing glass with crushed ice and shake until well chilled.
Strain into gimlet glass, top with soda.
Serve a flaming rosemary sprig.
SHARED 3RD PLACE – Philippine Sohet & Phil Heys
NAME
Mademoiselle Rose
DESCRIPTION
Mademoiselle Rose is a light, airy and unpredictable cocktail which brings back sweet childhood memories (with a sparkling twist). The perfect serve to enjoy on the roof of Paris on a warm summer night or to accompany a tart of freshly-picked strawberries from the garden.
INGREDIENTS
250ml Mumm Rosé champagne
50 Absolut Vodka
4 X Strawberries
2 X Limes
Candy floss
METHOD
Make four cuts along the length of the strawberry (just before the stem ends). Fan the slices apart with your fingers and set aside.
Prepare two balls of candy floss (they have to fit in the palm of your hand). Cut a slit in the centre of the ball and place a strawberry inside, sealing the hole afterwards.
Slice lime in two. Cut one half into slices. Make a single cut on each lime slice to decorate your cocktail glasses.
In a pitcher squeeze other half of lime, and add the vodka and champagne.
Place 1 candy floss ball in each glass. Place lime slices on the side of the glass.
Pour mixture around the sides of the candy floss ball to reveal the hidden strawberry.
Bonne degustation!
NAME
Blue Moon Rising in the sunshiiiiiiiiineeeeaa
DESCRIPTION
Alright r kid, this is summut t’ give yer ‘ed a wobble and ‘ave ya mad fer It whilst largin it down the hac – now do one into the sunshiiiiiiiiiineeeaaaa.
INGREDIENTS
20 ml Beefeater London Dry Gin
10 ml Blue Curacao
20 ml Lemon juice
1 tsp. Caster sugar
1 Red glacé Cherry to garnish
METHOD
Mix, shake, pour
