Zole Andahazy, Wickets Manager/Bernardus Lodge Bar Manager took 3rd Place in the SHAKE IT UP! Cocktail Competition in Las Vegas. 30 committee selected mixologists where chosen from across the United States to compete against one another in the search for a new and unique cocktail. Each had 5 minutes to create their specialty cocktail, from there, 5 finalists were chosen to make another cocktail including a secret ingredient that was disclosed on stage. Zole was discouraged at first when they gave him Dark Crème de Cocoa to make his drink when the recipe he submitted called for White Crème de Cocoa. However, his cocktail, “Strawberry Splendor” was good enough to get him into the top-5 for the mix off. The “secret ingredient” was a Rum-Banana Jam and Zole happened to have grabbed a fresh coconut from the store on the way to Las Vegas. His drink ended up winning in the second round and earned him a third place finish over all.
Judges included SWS Mixologists and Spirit Specialists led by Francesco Lafranconi. Dale Degroff and Toni Abou-Ganim were key note speakers and also cheered on the up and coming mixologists.
Judges Included:
Bridget Albert – IL
Allen Katz – NY
David Nepove – CA
Arturo Sighinolfi – FL
Jason Girard – AZ
Armando Rosario – NV
Strawberry Splendor
.2 oz Basil Leaves (4-5 leaves)
4.5 oz of Fresh Strawberries (3-5 whole berries)
3 oz Level 1 Vodka
3/4 oz Simple Syrup
3/4 oz DeKuyper Crème de Coca White
Muddle fresh strawberries with basil in mixing glass. Add Level 1 Vodka, Simple Syrup, and Crème de Coca. Add ice and shake vigorously Double strain in to chilled martini glass. Garnish with strawberry stuffed with basil leaves.
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