Reyka to launch ‘world’s first’ 24hr cocktail comp

Icelandic vodka brand Reyka is to launch the “world’s first” 24-hour cocktail competition in the UK, where one new cocktail will be presented every 15 minutes.

Reyka will host the “world’s first” 24-hour cocktail competition in the UK this summer

A total of 96 bartenders will each prepare a cocktail they have created over a 24-hour period, with a 15 minute slot to showcase their serve.

A panel of judges will rate the serves on appearance, aroma and taste. Six winning bartenders will be taken on a trip to Iceland to visit the Reyka distillery, witness lava rock filtration and attend the Secret Solstice Festival in Reykjavik.

“We wanted to create an unconventional competition that will excite the bartending community and inspire them to be creative and do things a bit differently,” said Reyka brand ambassador Joe Petch.

“The trip to Iceland for the Secret Solstice Festival is a fantastic prize and we’re looking forward to seeing what cocktail recipes are created.”

Said to be inspired by the 24-hour long day in Iceland during summer solstice, the competition will take place at Sovereign Loss in Brixton, London, from 12pm on Monday 1 June until 12pm on Tuesday 2 June 2015.

Bartenders can create any serve as long as the base ingredient is Reyka. Those wishing to apply should email reyka24hr@margaretlondon.com.

In February last year, the brand launched limited edition Reyka Bitters, made using botanicals foraged in Iceland.