Spain’s Adriana Soley wins Gin Mare cocktail competition

Adriana Soley from Le Cabrera in Spain has been declared the winner of Gin Mare’s second Mediterranean Inspirations cocktail competition.

Gin Mare Mediterranean Inspirations winners, Perryn Collier, Adriana Soley, and Dee Ann Quinones

Held at the super-premium gin brand’s villa in Ibiza yesterday, the competition saw seven finalists from countries around the world compete for the chance to become Gin Mare’s brand ambassador along with €4,500.

The entrants – from Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, the UK and Australia – were asked to create and present a Mediterranean Gin and Tonic, a Mediterranean twist on a Dirty Martini, and a Gin Mare cocktail of their choice.

The panel of eight judges, which included Martina Breznanova from Nightjar in London, Heathcliff Motorga from the Cavalli Club in Dubai, and The Spirits Business’ deputy editor Becky Paskin, marked the drinks on appearance, taste, balance, and how well they reflected the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Soley was eventually declared the clear winner, with Perryn Collier from The Laneway in Brisbane in second place, and Dee Ann Quinones from 69 Colebrooke Row in London in third.

“The standard of entries this year were very high, but Adriana’s knowledge, skill and passion for bartending was very clear,” said Jorges Balbontin, judge and cocktail manager for Global Premium Brands. “Above all she really captured what the Mediterranean is all about in her cocktails.”