Monin Cup UK opens for entries

Biennial cocktail competition Monin Cup UK has returned for 2016, offering a platform for the industry’s best bartenders to showcase their skills with the Monin range.

Bartenders aged 18-27 can sign up at regional heats in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Bristol during September.

The winner and the runner up from each heat will compete in the UK final, which takes place during London Cocktail Week.

Soho cocktail bar 68 and Boston will host the final and the overall winner will represent the UK at the Monin Cup Global Final in Paris on 5 December.

Entrants are required to create two signature cocktails – one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic.

The judges will assess each competitor’s mixology skills as well as originality, presentation, flavour and innovative use of Monin’s range of more than 100 flavoured syrups, sauces, fruit mixes and liqueurs.

Previous finalists include Alastair Frasier, Joe Macbeth, Andy Mil, Tom Walker, Robin Honhold, Leon Dalloway, 2012 winner William Humphrey and 2014 winner Joe Wild.

Lee Hyde, Monin beverage innovation manager, said: “The Monin Cup is a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills, share ideas and even try out that experimental recipe you’ve been practicing. It’s also a chance to represent your bar, your city and the UK on a global stage. We’re looking for talented young bartenders who can demonstrate innovation and an exceptionally high level of skill, so whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned cocktail competitor, we want to hear from you.”

The entry deadline for the Monin Cup UK is 26 August.