Bols Around the World 2013 calls for entries

Dutch liqueurs brand Lucas Bols will be inviting entries to the seventh annual Bols Around the World cocktail competition from 1 December.

Gabor Onufer from Hungary won the 2012 Bols Around the World cocktail competition

The event, which gives one winner a trip to four cocktail cities of their choice across eight days, plus two all-expenses-paid trips to Amsterdam for intensive training, is open to bartenders from around the world.

Bartenders are asked to submit a cocktail recipe using ½ oz of Bols Genever, 1 oz of Bols liqueur or both for the chance to compete for a spot in one of 20 regional heats.

The best recipes will be progressed to the second heat where bartenders will be required to undertake a 40-question online exam on the fundamentals of bartending. The highest scoring bartenders will then move onto the third heat where they will need to create a short 60-second video of themselves presenting their cocktail.

A total of 16 bartenders plus four young contenders will be chosen to compete in the semi-finals in Amsterdam on 6 May. Just 12 will be selected to compete in the grand final on 7 May.

Sandie van Doorne, Lucas Bols creative and communications director, said: “Now in its seventh year and running across 60 countries, Bols Around the World is the widest reaching bartending contest in the world and this year’s Grand Final is set to be more spectacular than ever.

“The competition celebrates the best in bartending technique and reflects the values taught at the Bols Bartending Academy, from drink knowledge and mixology to hospitality, speed and efficiency. Contestants receive training from the Bols Bartending Academy throughout the competition to foster the innovation and excellence that Lucas Bols stands for.”

This year’s winner was Gabor Onufer from Hungary, who impressed judges from amongst 1,600 entries with his Merchant cocktail and Pass the Dutchie food pairing.