Joe Wild from Jenny’s in Liverpool is heading for Paris to compete against mixologists from around the world, following a resounding victory at the UK Monin Cup Final.
Joe impressed the judges with his cocktail, All for One & One For All, featuring Monin’s new Lemongrass syrup, Monin Caribbean syrup, Monin Rose syrup and Monin Spicy Mango syrup, vodka, lemon juice, Prosecco and egg white. He will now go on to represent the UK in the International Monin Cup Final in Paris on December 1.
The UK Final took place on the Tuesday of London Cocktail Week at the Monin Studio in Hoxton Square . Eight young bartenders from across the country shook, muddled and stirred their way through the competition in which Joe Macbeth from Lacehouse in Nottingham took second place and third place went to Jake Mellish from Boilermaker in Nottingham , who also impressed the judges with his brand research.
Each finalist presented their take on the theme “If the UK were a cocktail” to a panel of judges including UK Monin Cup 2012 winner William Humphery, The Cocktail Lovers’ Gary Sharpen and Monin Brand Manager, Darril Ling . The drinks were judged on taste, balance, originality and visual presentation, with points also awarded for performance and interaction with the judges. The only stipulation was that each cocktail must contain at least 20ml of product from Monin’s extensive range of more than 140 syrups, fruit purees and liqueurs.
Competitors were then quizzed on their Monin product knowledge and put through their paces with a taste test, requiring them to blind taste ten Monin different syrups and correctly guess each flavour.
As well as the honour of representing his country at the International Monin Cup Final in Paris on December 1, Joe also wins an all-expenses-paid trip to Monin’s headquarters in Bourges , France .
James Coston, Monin UK brand ambassador, who compèred the event, said: “The competition produced some fantastic drinks, all of which showed flair, innovation and an exceptionally high level of skill. It’s been really encouraging to see just how much young bartending talent we have here in the UK , and we’re delighted with the judges’ decision. I can’t wait to see Joe take on the world at the International Monin Cup Final in December.”
Darril Ling , Monin Brand Manager, said: “The sheer variety of cocktails produced at the UK Monin Cup Final was really impressive. As well as showcasing our best and brightest mixologists, this competition is also about demonstrating the versatility of the Monin product range – and Joe’s cocktail is a perfect example of this.”
All For One & One For All
5ml Monin Caribbean syrup
5ml Monin Lemongrass syrup
5ml Monin Rose syrup
5ml Monin Spicy Mango syrup
15ml egg white
25ml lemon juice
50ml vodka
Prosecco to finish
Shake ingredients and serve straight up in a coupette topped with Prosecco and garnished with a rose bud.
DRINKS ENTHUSIAST 