2009: 5th D.I.T – Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Cocktail Challenge

The 5th D.I.T – Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Cocktail Challenge took place on Thursday November 26th 2009, this initiative between the DIT Department Bar Management and Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard attracted 95 mixologists currently studying and working in the hospitality and licensed trade premises the opportunity to improve their skills in creative drinks mixing, in direct response to the growing demand for new cocktails and exciting new drinks to suit every season. This magnificent entry makes this competition Ireland’s Largest Cocktail Challenge for 2009. Overall prizes were awarded for best short drink cocktail and best long drink cocktail, which were based on Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard premium spirits and liqueurs, points were awarded for the appearance, aroma, taste and the commercial appeal of the cocktail. A further special prize was dedicated to the most professional cocktail demonstration, points were awarded in this category were awarded for the competitors appearance, hygiene awareness, their technical cocktail procedure, garnish neatness, overall proficiency and the time limits allowed to prepare and present the cocktail. Special D.I.T – Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Cocktail Challenge Certificates of participation were presented to all the 95 mixologists by Mr. Seamus Lowry (Business development Representative Prestige Accounts Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard). Sincere thanks were offered to both Mr. Alan Lawlor (National Accounts Manager, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard ), John McLoughlin (External Expert Judge, Marriott Shelbourne Hotel, St Stephens Green, Dublin) and competition Chairman James Murphy (Lecturer and Programme Chairman, DIT Department Bar Management). The 5th D.I.T – Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Cocktail Challenge winners were as follows; http://update.dit.ie/30-11-09/news-briefs-cocktail.php DIT Update Magazine – report the event. Winner: Best Jameson Short Drink Cocktail “Cocoberry” Prepared by: Stuart McCoy (DIT, School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology) Recipe: 3.5cl Absolut Kurant Vodka, 1.75cl Malibu, 0.90cl De Kuyper Blackcurrant liqueur, 0.5cl Fresh lime Juice, 3.5cl Cranberry Juice. Method: Shake all the above ingredients with ice briskly. Pour over ice into a Standard Martini Cocktail Glass. Garnish: Blackberries and strawberry. Winner: Best Jameson Long Drink Cocktail “Passion for Peaches” Prepared by: Ian Alvey (DIT, Department of Bar Management) Recipe: 6cl Absolut Peach Vodka, 2cl Passion Fruit Syrup, 8cl. Cranberry Juice, 1.5cl Lime Juice. Method: Shake all the above ingredients with ice briskly. Pour into a Hurricane glass with crushed ice. Garnish: Passion fruit wheel, squeeze of passion fruit pulp on top and lime spiral. Winner: Best Technique Cocktail “Tropic Thunder” Prepared by: Tomas Mulligan (The Cobblestone Bar, Smithfield, Dublin). Recipe: 3.5cl Absolut Vodka, 1.5cl. De Kuyper Blue Curacao liqueur, 1.5.cl De Kuyper Crème De Cacao white, 3cl Lime Juice, 2cl Monin Green Banana Syrup. Method: Shake all the above ingredients with ice briskly. Pour into a chilled Double Martini cocktail glass. Garnish: Orange and lime wheels..https://arrow.tudublin.ie/culart/1014/thumbnail.jp