Riga Black Balsam announces cocktail champion

Ukrainian bartender Stanislav Mukhin was crowned overall winner of the Riga Black Balsam Global Cocktail Challenge 2016, which took place in Riga last week.

Stanislav Mukhin was crowned champion in the Riga Black Balsam Global Cocktail Challenge

A total of 49 bartenders from 19 countries went head-to-head in the Latvian capital of Riga, home of the Riga Black Balsam brand, for the chance to win a cut of the €4,800 prize fund.

Winning a cheque for €3,000 was Mukhin, who blew the judges away with his cocktail Formula 17/52, which combined Riga Balsam Currant, rhubarb bitters, juniper berries, Monin macaroon syrup and apple vinegar.

“I am very honoured to win with my cocktail recipe, which I developed over two months,” commented Mukin. “I also created a special presentation glass that incorporates the natural herbs and spices in its design. I was inspired by the history of this unique drink and I am glad it has been so highly evaluated!”

With just seven minutes to prepare, contestants were permitted to use any of the Riga Black Balsam range in their drinks, including Riga Black Currant and Riga Black Element.

Second place and a cash prize of €1,000 was awarded to Wojciech Urbanski, of Poland, with his cocktail Black Balsa-miko, while third place and a prize of €500 was awarded to Hirja Niit, of Estonia, for her cocktail IEVA.

Bartenders George Cedrick Thomas, of Austria, Lucia Montanelli, of the UK, and Marina Vinogradova, of Latvia, were awarded fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively and received a prize of €100.

Forming the judging panel were Ron Busman, president of the International Bartenders Association; Mario Hofferer, champion of IBA Cocktail World Championship 2011; Raimonds Tomsons, sommelier; and Valters Kaže, chief marketing officer of Amber Beverage Group.

The judges were hidden from view so as to not influence their decisions, and after each contestant had finished the final products were whisked away for the all-important tasting.

Commenting on the competition, Kaže said: “I was impressed by the high level of presentation and the wide variety of very interesting and different cocktail recipes, all featuring Riga Black Balsam. The bartenders expressed their creativity and we could feel the regional influence in the many different styles and flavour combinations. I hope we can keep the same high level of performance in future Riga Black Balsam Cocktail Challenges!”