Monin Cup competition crowns UK winner

Peter Nguyen of Mr Fogg’s Residence in London has been crowned the winner of Monin Cup’s UK final and will represent the country in the cocktail competition’s final in Paris.

Peter Nguyen of Mr Fogg’s Residence in London is the winner of Monin Cup’s UK final

Nguyen battled it out against seven bartenders from across the UK  at the Marriot County Hall on 4 October during London Cocktail Week, and scooped the top prize for his two Monin signature serves ‘Hootenanny’ and ‘Caramel and Popcorn’.

Both Nguyen’s drinks were inspired by childhood memories –  Hootenanny, which featured Monin Butterscotch syrup, Bourbon, pineapple juice and Fernet Branca, is said to “capture the fun of a family get-together”; his non-alcoholic offering, Caramel and Popcorn, containing Monin Popcorn and Salted Caramel syrups and Le Fruit de Monin Raspberry with a mixture of fruit juices, represented “memories of trips to the cinema”.

He will now represent the UK at the International Monin Cup Final on 5 December, competing against more than 40 Monin Cup winners from across the globe.

Nguyen said: “All the other finalists were amazing so I’m really proud to have won – to be honest it’s still sinking in! The Monin Cup UK has been a fantastic experience and I have learnt so much but there is still a lot to learn. I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to represent the UK at the international final and I can’t wait to get to Paris.”

Each finalist mixed and presented their signature Monin cocktail and mocktail to technical judge, UK Bartenders’ Guild chairman, Michael Sweetman, who awarded points for technique, performance and interaction.

Each drink was then blind-tasted by a panel of bar industry experts that included Luca Cordiglieri, Remi Santoni-Bena and Monin brand ambassador Daniel Davis.

Charley Carrington from Boilermaker in Nottingham took second place, with third place going to Matyas Busek, also from Mr Fogg’s.

Cordiglieri said: “The competition produced some fantastic drinks which showed flair and innovation but Peter was the clear winner. His signature Monin serves were of the highest quality, demonstrating an impressive range of skills and perfectly-balanced flavours. I look forward to seeing Peter take on the world at the International Monin Cup Final in December.”