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Simplistic Vodka Swizzle Masters winner revealed
By Melita KielyThe winner of the latest round of The Wenneker Swizzle Masters 2014, The Spirits Business’ monthly virtual cocktail competition, is Romanian bartender Mihai Fetcu.
Romanian Bartender Mihai Fetcu scooped first place in the Simplistic Vodka round with his drink The Prospector No.2Tasked with creating a cocktail based on the theme Simplistic Vodka using Stolichnaya Vodka, Fetcu impressed the panel of judges with his drink The Prospector No. 2.
A blend of fresh ingredients including ginger and rosemary mixed with Wenneker Ginger Liqueur, Stolichnaya Vodka, and Chartreuse Elixir Vegetal topped off with Prosecco, the judges agreed the drink was “perfectly balanced” and had “a really nice presentation”.
On the panel for this round, which took place at Mews of Mayfair in London, was brand ambassador for Stolichnaya Vodka Matt Dakers, Barchick writer Jennie Rae, Meat Liquor bartender Robb Collins and associate publisher of The Spirits Business Daisy Jones.
In second place was Joao Gloria with his “refreshing and complex” Chelsea’s Charm while third place was awarded to Ivica Mišic with his drink Aida, which impressed the panel with its “simple and unusual” use of flavours.
Fetcu will now join our two existing semi-finalists, Sid Chen and Adriana Soley, in the competition’s semi-final in October when the winning drinks from throughout the year will be mixed again and judged against one another.
From there, just five drinks will make it through to the grand final in December when one bartender will be crowned the 2014 Wenneker Swizzle Master and win the grand prize of £1,000.
If you fancy your chances of winning the grand prize, the next heat is now open for entries and the theme is Feminine Cognac with Hardy Maison Fondée en 1863 V.S.O.P.
Our judges will be looking for cocktails that reinforce Cognac’s accessibility as a feminine drink without over-stereotyping. Bartenders have until Friday 11 April to enter online at www.swizzlemasters.com.
The winners of The Swizzle Masters Simplistic Vodka heat
1st: The Prospector No.2 by Mihai Fetcu
40ml Stolichnaya Vodka, 20ml Wenneker Ginger, 1 dash Chartreuse Elixir Vegetal, Prosecco, 1 sprig rosemary, 2 small pieces fresh ginger and lime peel
Method: Gently muddle the ginger, rosemary and lime peel. Add crushed ice and ginger liqueur and churn. Add more ice, vodka and repeat. Top off with Prosecco, more ice and garnish with rosemary.
2nd: Chelsea’s Charm by Joao Gloria
40ml Stolichnaya Vodka, 10ml Wenneker Lychee, 10ml Wenneker Vanilla, 20ml fresh lemon juice, 20ml cloudy apple juice and 10ml egg white
Method: Shake all ingredients hard for 15 shakes. Double strain into a chilled coupette glass and spray oils of a lemon twist onto the rim of the glass.
30ml Stolichnaya Vodka, 15ml Wenneker Crème de Bananes, 15ml Martini Extra Dry, 5ml Wenneker Peach, 5ml Campari, kumquat, orange peel and mint leaves.
Method: Fill mixing glass with ice cubes, stir, then drain excess water. Add all ingredients with ice and stir. Drain into cocktail glass and garnish with a slice of kumquat, orange-peel twist and mint leaf.