Peter Nguyen from Mr Fogg’s Residence in London is heading for Paris to compete against mixologists from around the world, following a resounding victory at the MONIN Cup UK Final.
The thrilling event was the culmination of MONIN’s biennial search for the country’s most exciting new bartending stars. Following regional heats across the UK , seven talented young mixologists shook, muddled and stirred their way through the competition at the Marriot County Hall on 4 October during London Cocktail Week.
Peter blew away the judges with an assured presentation and a sophisticated balance of flavours, scooping the top prize for his two MONIN signature serves Hootenanny and Caramel and Popcorn. He will now represent the UK at the International MONIN Cup Final on 5 December in Paris , competing against more than 40 MONIN Cup winners from across the globe.
Both Peter’s drinks were inspired by childhood memories; his cocktail Hootenanny featured MONIN Butterscotch syrup, Bourbon, pineapple juice and Fernet Blanc, capturing the fun of a family get-together. His non-alcoholic Caramel and Popcorn brought back memories of trips to the cinema, showcasing MONIN Popcorn and Salted Caramel syrups and Le Fruit de MONIN Raspberry complemented by a mixture of fruit juices.
Charley Carrington from Boilermaker in Nottingham took second place, with third place going to Matyas Busek, also from Mr Fogg’s.
Each finalist mixed and presented their signature MONIN cocktail and mocktail to technical judge – and UK Bartenders’ Guild chairman – Michael Sweetman, who awarded points for technique, performance and interaction. Each drink was then blind tasted for balance, visual presentation and originality by panel of bar industry experts including Luca Cordiglieri, Remi Santoni-Bena and MONIN brand ambassador Daniel Davis. 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 mixes and liqueurs.
Judge Luca Cordiglieri said: “The competition produced some fantastic drinks which showed flair and innovation but Peter was the clear winner. His signature MONIN serves were of the highest quality, demonstrating an impressive range of skills and perfectly-balanced flavours. I look forward to seeing Peter take on the world at the International MONIN Cup Final in December.”
Peter said: “All the other finalists were amazing so I’m really proud to have won – to be honest it’s still sinking in! The MONIN Cup UK has been a fantastic experience and I have learnt so much but there is still a lot to learn. I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to represent the UK at the international final and I can’t wait to get to Paris !”
The MONIN Cup UK was supported by Bulldog Gin, Tabasco , Hamilton Beach , Jägermeister and the UK Bartenders’ Guild.
DRINKS ENTHUSIAST 