Glasgow’s Branford Edgar wins Serve of The Open contest
Ben Lomond Gin has revealed the signature cocktail that will be served at the 154th Open golf championship, following a nationwide search.
As the official gin of The Open, the brand conducts a contest across the UK that invites amateur and professional bartenders to create a cocktail for the golfing major.
This year’s Open, the 154th edition of the championship, will be held at Royal Birkdale in England from 12-19 July.
Using Ben Lomond Scottish Gin, the cocktail submissions had to capture the atmosphere, landscape, and character of Royal Birkdale through flavour and creativity.
Branford Edgar has been crowned winner of The Serve of The Open for his Solstice Sling cocktail, which will be served to thousands of golf fans at Royal Birkdale next month.
The Glasgow bartender, who works at Kelvingrove Cafe in the city, said: “My brother is an incredibly talented and dedicated golfer. He’ll wake up at 4.30am and play up to 96 holes in one day.
“This was the inspiration for the Solstice Sling – it is a nod to the longest day of the year, where golfers try and play as much golf as physically possible, as well as his unique adventurous spirit and the passion he has for the game he loves.
“There’s a photo of me somewhere shaking a Boston shaker at about nine or 10 years old. I started bartending to pay rent, and somewhere along the way I got completely absorbed in classic cocktails and creating my own drinks.
“It feels really special knowing that a drink I made will be served at The Open to thousands of fans at Royal Birkdale this summer.”
The Solstice Sling combines Ben Lomond gin with caramelised honeydew and basil cordial, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup and ginger beer. It is finished with a fresh basil leaf garnish.
Visitors at The 154th Open can find the drink at the Ben Lomond Gin Garden, Loch Lomond Whiskies Stand, the Patrons Pavilion, and the Players Clubhouse, as well as select participating venues across Birkdale.
Finalists for the competition were selected after a series of qualifying rounds judged on originality, technique, and storytelling. The judging panel featured a group of industry experts and special guests.
Loch Lomond Group’s group marketing director, Andrew Jack, added: “The Serve of The Open continues to showcase the incredible creativity and craftsmanship within the bartending community, and this year’s entries captured the spirit of Royal Birkdale brilliantly.
“Branford’s Solstice Sling stood out for its balance of flavour, storytelling, and seasonality – perfectly reflecting the atmosphere of summer golf and the adventurous character of Ben Lomond Scottish Gin.
“We look forward to bringing this winning serve to fans attending The 154th Open and continuing to celebrate memorable experiences through great gin and world-class hospitality.”
Loch Lomond Group’s namesake single malt brand is also the official whisky partner of The Open, for which it created two limited edition bottlings to mark the partnership.
You can find the full Solstice Sling recipe below.
Solstice Sling
Ingredients
- 40ml Ben Lomond Gin
- 30ml Caramelised honeydew and basil cordial
- 15ml Lime juice
- 5ml Sugar syrup
- Ginger beer, to top
- Garnish with a basil leaf
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