Bartender’s cocktail competition floats Russian Standard Vodka’s boat

Last week bartenders from across the UK boarded the Silver Sturgeon Yacht on the river Thames to take on a series of challenges set by Russian Standard Vodka. Guests sailed down the river while contestants competed in cocktail challenges, judged by a panel including Russian Standard Brand Ambassador Tatiana Petrakova and Imbibe’s Laura Foster.

Alex O’Brien from Lola Jeans in Tynemouth was crowned the winner after delivering an inspired twist on the Russian Standard’s hero serve, the Russian Mule. The event was the culmination of a three-stage competition curated by Russian Standard Vodka, to invite the UK’s most talented bartenders to showcase their cocktail skills. On the upper deck the first challenge saw contestants compete to create the best tasting and innovative cocktail from a random liqueur, Russian Standard Vodka and a host of additional back bar ingredients, in front of a panel of blindfolded judges.

Winner Alex O’Brien impressed the judges with his combination of Russian Standard Vodka Platinum, Gancia Bianco Vermouth, orange and Angostura Bitters, lemon and orange twist and nominated liqueur, Limoncello.

The competition heated up downstairs when guests, judges and contestants gathered for the Russian Mule challenge.

Each contestant had just seven minutes to make and present their Russian Mule creations to the judges. Wonderful flairs, clever storytelling and delicious cocktails were delivered in what turned out to be a very close competition. Runner-up Brad Pearce of The Great Gatsby in Sheffield, narrowly missed out on first place with his Fino Sherry and Pineapple flavoured Transyberian Mule, but it was Alex O’Brien who once again scored highest amongst the judges. The Bohemian Mule, Alex’s dry and refreshing invention made from absinthe, sake, Russian Standard Platinum, ginger and garnished with a paintbrush, earned him the top spot and coveted title of Mule Master 2014.

Laura Foster says: “It was a big, bold event with a lot of fun bartenders producing a wide variety of interesting drinks. The level of creativity displayed by the competitors when it came to their Russian Mule twists was impressive. Alex was a worthy winner, displaying skill, excellent knowledge of Russian Standard, and excellent hosting skills on top of the high quality of his drinks.”

The winner will be taken on an all-expenses paid 3-day trip to St. Petersburg, the home of Russian Standard Vodka and invited to bartend in the Davai Milano in Milan, Russian Standard’s flagship molecular mixology bar.