What’s on: Bénédictine liqueur to sweeten UKBG competition in Manchester!

Bénédictine, the traditional French liqueur, has announced that it will be sponsoring this year’s UK Bartenders Guild National Cocktail Competition, with the second heat being in Manchester.

The UKBG competition, which is in its 80th year, and attracts the crème de la crème of UK mixologists, will see its Manchester heat take place at Epernay on Monday 10th June.

The tour will hit Manchester, before heading to London and Brighton, with the final competition taking place in the UK capital. The final will see mixologists from each region battle it out to win a once in a lifetime, all expenses paid trip to South Africa in 2014, to represent the UK in the IBA World Final.

Competitors will each have to create their own bespoke cocktail, which must include a minimum of 25ml of Bénédictine, to present to the judges, who will not only judge them on the taste of their creation, but on their knowledge of the liqueur and their profession.

Paul Curry, Bénédictine Brand Manager, said: “The UKBG National Cocktail Competition is a fantastic event to be involved in, and with Bénédictine’s distinctive flavour being a great ingredient for cocktails, we really can’t wait to see what the high calibre of professionals have up their sleeves! We’ve held competitions in Manchester before and entries have always been of an exceptional standard, so we’re looking forward to what the mixologists of Manchester can provide for us this time!”

The traditional French Liqueur created in 1510 and named after its creator, a Bénédictine monk, is made using 27 herbs and spices, sourced from around the world. This unique recipe is then infused with saffron, honey and caramel in a sophisticated production process that takes two years to complete and gives Bénédictine its distinctive and world-famous flavour that has become a favourite with bar tenders and mixologists across the world.

Entrants must be members of the UKBG to compete, with membership available from £35. For more info on how to register, please visit http://www.ukbartendersguild.co.uk

Heats
10th June – Epernay, Manchester
17th June – Hotel Du Vin, Brighton
24th June – Park Plaza London
FINAL: 10th July – Sky Lounge, DoubleTree by the Hilton, Tower of London