London bartender wins UKBG Benedictine cocktail competition

Pedro Paulo from One Aldwych, London, has been crowned the winner of the Bénédictine sponsored UK Bartenders Guild (UKBG) National Cocktail Competition.

The UKBG winners left to right: Massimo Lisi, Pedro Paulo and Swani Korgaonkar.

In a heated final taking place at Skylounge at Doubletree by Hilton, Tower of London, Paulo fought of competition from 21 other mixologists with his ultimate cocktail, One D.O.M, a blend of Bénédictine, Zorokovich Vodka, lime juice and honey.

Paulo, as well as being crowned 2013 champion, was awarded an all-expenses-paid five-day trip to South Africa to represent the UK in the 2014 IBA World Final.

Now in its 10^th year, the competition saw bartenders from across the UK compete in regional heats held in Manchester, London and Brighton earlier this year.

Those through to the final were tasked with creating a cocktail featuring a minimum 25ml Bénédictine, which were judged on appearance, aroma and taste.

Daniel Crebesse, president of the UKBG, said: “Once again, the competition has been fantastic, and the quality of both bartenders and cocktails has been exceptional. Pedro has shown a high level of professionalism and dedication throughout the competition and we’re delighted to announce him as the winner.

“We have high hopes for him in the IBA final in South Africa, and based on the quality of his cocktail we saw at the final, the UK’s chances next year are strong indeed.”

In second place was Massimo Lisi from Craignelder Hotel in Stranraer, while in third place was Swani Korgaonkar from Simpson’s at The Strand. Awarded for Best Technical was Fabrizio Thiella from The Lanesborough.

Paul Curry, Bénédictine brand manager, added: “The UKBG National Cocktail Competition is an exceptional contest and it’s been an absolute pleasure to have been involved with it this year. With Bénédictine’s unique flavour being a great ingredient for cocktails, we were expecting some really exciting cocktails, and we weren’t disappointed. Congratulations to Pedro for a really special Bénédictine cocktail recipe and best of luck to him in the IBA final next year.”