A Stirring Success: Two Students Win Trip to New York for Cocktail Competition

In a spirited showcase of talent and creativity, Krysten Perkins and Joyce Jones emerged as the victorious mixologists in the Tanqueray/Diageo Bar Academy Learning Skills For Life™ Cocktail Competition. Their winning concoctions earned them an unforgettable trip to New York City, where they saw their recipes brought to life in a celebration of innovation and flavor.

The Competition: Shaking Things Up

The contest challenged participants to submit a classic martini cocktail recipe using no more than four additional ingredients alongside Tanqueray Gin. Each submission was judged on the creativity of the cocktail's name, the balance of sweetness and sourness, simplicity, overall taste, and innovativeness. Krysten and Joyce's entries stood out among numerous submissions, impressing judges with their originality and mastery of flavors.

Winning Cocktails: Sweet Romance and NOLAtini

Sweet Romance by Krysten Perkins is a delightful blend that balances the smoothness of oat milk with the floral notes of lavender and the nutty sweetness of hazelnut liquor. This sophisticated cocktail is garnished with dried lavender, adding a visual and aromatic touch that enhances the overall experience.

Recipe:

  • 1 oz Tanqueray Dry Gin

  • 1½ oz Oat milk

  • 0.5 oz Lavender simple syrup

  • 0.5 oz Hazelnut liquor

  • Glassware: Martini or coupe

  • Garnish: Dried lavender

Instructions:

  1. In a cocktail shaker with ice, add oat milk, lavender simple syrup, hazelnut liquor, and Tanqueray Dry Gin. Shake for 15-20 seconds.

  2. Strain into a martini or coupe glass and top with dried lavender.

NOLAtini by Joyce Jones is a vibrant cocktail that combines the tangy sweetness of satsuma juice with the aromatic complexity of lavender and a hint of black pepper spice. The drink is elegantly garnished with lavender flowers and a slice of satsuma, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Recipe:

  • 1.25 oz Tanqueray Dry Gin

  • 1 oz Satsuma Juice

  • 1 oz Lavender Simple

  • 0.25 oz Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, add satsuma juice, lavender simple, Tanqueray Dry Gin, and fresh ground black pepper. Top with ice and stir until chilled.

  2. Prep a coupe or martini glass with oil expressed from a satsuma peel.

  3. Strain into the prepped glass and garnish with lavender flowers and a slice of satsuma.

The Prize: A Trip to Remember

Krysten and Joyce’s reward for their stellar cocktails was a two-day, two-night trip to New York City, where they would be honored by Diageo. The trip promised a mix of exciting activities and unique experiences.

Wednesday: Arrival and Scotch Tasting

Upon arrival at Newark Airport at 11 AM, the winners were whisked away to the Millennium Hotel in downtown Manhattan. After settling in, they headed to Diageo’s bar for a delightful Lagavulin Scotch tasting during the company’s happy hour, followed by a dinner hosted by Learning Skills For Life.

Thursday: Exploring and Celebrating

The second day began with a tour of the 41st floor of 3 World Trade Center at 11 AM, offering stunning views and insights into Diageo's operations. After a reflective visit to the 9/11 Memorial, the day continued with a competition vlog at 4:30 PM, capturing the excitement and experiences of the winners. The evening culminated in a celebratory event from 5 PM to 7 PM, where Krysten and Joyce’s cocktails were prepared and showcased, allowing them to share their triumph with Diageo’s team and fellow cocktail enthusiasts.

A Toast to the Future

Krysten Perkins and Joyce Jones’s success in the Tanqueray/Diageo Bar Academy Learning Skills For Life™ Cocktail Competition not only highlights their exceptional mixology skills but also underscores the importance of creativity and innovation in the art of cocktail making. Their journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts everywhere. Here’s to more shaking, stirring, and sipping adventures in the future!

Jessica Sigmundsson