2011 Ultimate Cocktail Challenge — Signature Results

Ultimate Cocktail Challenge 2011

April 5–8, 2011

Astor Center, New York City

The cocktails were mixed by handpicked, highly experienced bartenders, who carefully followed the specific cocktail recipe that had been provided by the brand. Expert judges, who were unaware of the identity of any of the entered spirits, evaluated how the featured spirit performed in the cocktail taking into account the overall taste, balance and presentation.

Featured spirits in Signature Challenge were judged on the 100-point scale. Because each cocktail recipe was unique it was judged on its own merit and not against another signature cocktail. Awarding a range of scores, instead of Individual scores, was deemed more appropriate. All Signature cocktails that scored 90 points and higher were awarded the Ultimate Cocktail Challenge Chairman's Trophy.

In addition, the following Accolades were bestowed, as a guide to consumers.

95-100 Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
90-94 Excellent, Highly Recommended
85-89 Very Good, Strong Recommendation
80-84 Good, Recommended

A note on the icons:

		Signature Cocktail Recipe: featuring the unique cocktail recipe on which the spirit was evaluated. Roll over icon to view.
		Great Value: indicates products with a favorable relationship between their price and final score.
		Product Image: to assist you with visual identification, we've included an image for each product evaluated. (Please note that age statements, vintages or label may vary slightly from the specific product evaluated but it represents a helpful portrayal of the brand.) Click icon to view.

Entered products that were scored below 80 points have not been included on the results page; Ultimate Beverage Challenge is dedicated to recognizing the best of the best, and that, in our opinion, begins with a score of 80 as being indicative of products of commendation and consumer worthiness.

Classic Challenge Results

Download a printable copy of the results (PDF)

Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
Aperitifs
	Aperol Aperitivo Liqueur Italy, 11% abv, $21.99, 750 ml Aperol Spritz	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Aperol Spritz Featured Spirit: Aperol Aperitivo Liqueur 3 ounces Cinzano Sparkling Prosecco 1.5 ounces Aperol splash of club soda garnish: orange slice Pour prosecco into a rocks glass over ice. Add Aperol and soda. Garnish with a slice of orange.
Gin/Genever
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
Chairman's Trophy	Beefeater 24 Gin United Kingdom, 45% abv, $30.00, 750 ml French 75	Excellent, Highly Recommended	French 75 Featured Spirit: Beefeater 24 Gin 1.5 ounces Beefeater 24 .25 ounces simple syrup .5 ounces fresh lemon juice chilled Perrier Jouet Champagne Shake and strain first 3 ingredients, with ice and strain into champagne flute. Top with Perrier Jouet Champagne.
Chairman's Trophy	Beefeater London Dry Gin United Kingdom, 47% abv, $19.00, 750 ml French 75	Excellent, Highly Recommended	French 75 Featured Spirit: Beefeater London Dry Gin 1.5 ounces Beefeater .25 ounces simple syrup .5 ounces fresh lemon juice chilled Perrier Jouet Champagne Shake and strain first 3 ingredients, with ice and strain into champagne flute. Top with Perrier Jouet Champagne.
Chairman's Trophy	Hendrick's Gin United Kingdom, 44% abv, $32.99, 750 ml LA Luna	Excellent, Highly Recommended	LA Luna Featured Spirit: Hendrick's Gin 2 ounces Hendrick's Gin 1 ounce cucumber juice* 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1 ounce mild jalapeño syrup 2 ounces soda water garnish: salted (kosher) cucumber spear* Combine first 4 ingredients in a tall glass. Add ice. Top with soda, stir gently and garnish. Cucumber juice: pass whole, unpeeled English cucumbers through a juice extractor. Mild jalapeño syrup: Muddle 8 cored and chopped jalapeños into 2 cups raw sugar until thick paste forms. Add 2 cups water, heat and stir to dissolve. Reduce to 1-5 cups. Strain off solids and chill. Note that seeds can be added while heating to add spiciness - adjust to taste. **Garnish: cut cucumber spear to one inch longer than glass. Remove seeds. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
	Farmer's Organic Gin United States, 46.7% abv, $29.99, 750 ml St. Gin	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	St. Gin Featured Spirit: Farmer's Organic Gin 1.5 ounces Farmers Organic Gin 1 ounce elderflower liqueur .75 ounces fresh lemon juice .5 ounces (splash) ginger ale Stir all ingredients together.
	Plymouth Gin United Kingdom, 41.2% abv, $30.00, 750 ml French 75	Good, Recommended	French 75 Featured Spirit: Plymouth Gin 1.5 ounces Plymouth Gin .35 ounces simple syrup .5 ounces fresh lemon juice chilled Perrier Jouet Champagne Shake and strain first 3 ingredients, with ice and strain into champagne flute. Top with Perrier Jouet Champagne.
Vodka
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
	Vermont Gold Vodka United States, 40% abv, $40.00, 750 ml Green Gold	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Green Gold Featured Spirit: Vermont Gold Vodka 1.5 ounces Vermont Gold Vodka .5 ounces elderflower liqueur .75 ounces passion fruit juice (Ceres or Looza) .25 ounces fresh lemon juice .5 teaspoon maple syrup sparkling wine or champagne 8-10 mint leaves and 1 short mint sprig Slap the mint leaves in between the palms of your hands and drop into a mixing glass. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the sparkling wine/champagne) with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with the sparkling wine/champagne. Garnish with a short mint sprig.
	Absolut Vodka Sweden, 40% abv, $20.00, 750 ml Dry Vodka Martini	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Dry Vodka Martini Featured Spirit: Absolut Vodka 1 ounce Absolut Vodka dash dry vermouth green olives for garnish Stir ingredients with ice in a shaker. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with green olives.
	Stolichnaya Vodka Latvia, 40% abv, $23.99, 750 ml Fleur de Lys	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Fleur de Lys Featured Spirit: Stolichnaya 80 Proof Vodka 1.5 ounces Stolichnaya 80 Proof Vodka .5 ounces St-Germain .75 ounces lemongrass infused simple syrup* .5 ounces fresh lemon juice .25 ounces fresh pineapple juice quarter egg white single mint leaf for garnish Combine all ingredients and shake well. Double strain into a martini glass. Spank a mint leaf and place gently on the cocktail. *Lemongrass simple syrup: take 12 lemongrass stalks, remove outer layer, chop off ends then cut into small pieces. Combine in a blender with 24 ounces simple syrup. Stand for one hour and then strain off solids.
	Vision Vodka United States, 40% abv, $30.00, 750 ml Vision Aperitif	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Vision Aperitif Featured Spirit: Vision Vodka 2 ounces Vision Vodka 1 ounce St-Germain 0.5 ounce Campari 1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice lemon twist Shake well with ice. Strain into a rocks chilled glass. Garnish with a twist.
	Crop Organic Cucumber Flavored Vodka United States, 35% abv, $29.99, 750 ml Cucumber Dillicious!	Good, Recommended	Cucumber Dillicious! Featured Spirit: Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka 2 ounces Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka .75 ounces fresh lime juice .5 ounces agave nectar muddled dill and cucumber Muddle cucumber and dill with agave nectar and lime juice. Fill shaker with ice and add Crop Organic Vodka. Shake and strain into Collins glass filled with ice.
	Absolut Berri Acai Flavored Vodka Sweden, 40% abv, $20.00, 750 ml Absolut Berri Acai Vodka	Good, Recommended	Absolut Berri Acai Vodka Featured Spirit: Absolut Berri Acai Vodka 2 ounces Absolut Berri Acai Vodka .75 ounces simple syrup 1 ounce fresh lemon juice lemon peel for garnish Shake first 3 ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
	Vision Vodka United States, 40% abv, $30.00, 750 ml Hot & Dirty Martini	Good, Recommended	Hot & Dirty Martini Featured Spirit: Vision Vodka 2.5 ounces Vision Vodka Splash olive juice 4 chopped olives with pimento 1/3 stalk celery, finely chopped 3 peppercorns, coarsely crushed 1 thin slice fresh jalapeno, chopped Garnish: 1 thin slice fresh jalapeno, 1 olive, celery curls Muddle olives, celery, jalapeno and peppercorns with olive juice. Add to shaker with Vision Vodka and ice. Shake vigorously. Fine strain into a martini glass and garnish.
	Voli Lemon Flavored Vodka France, 30% abv, $27.99, 750 ml Cos-low-politan	Good, Recommended	Cos-low-politan Featured Spirit: Voli Lemon Vodka 1.5 ounces Voli Lemon Vodka 1 ounce fresh lemon juice .5 ounces agave nectar 2 ounces cranberry juice splash of club soda lemon twist for garnish Shake all ingredients (except for club soda) with ice. Strain into highball glass, add fresh ice, splash of club soda and garnish with a lemon twist.
Tequila/Mezcal
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
Chairman's Trophy	Familia Camarena Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila Mexico, 40% abv, $20.00, 750 ml Camarena Santa Maria	Excellent, Highly Recommended	Camarena Santa Maria Featured Spirit: Familia Camarena Reposado Tequila 1.5 ounces Camarena Reposado Tequila 1 ounce white port .5 ounces simple syrup .5 ounces Velvet Falernum 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice .5 ounces ginger beer In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except ginger beer. Add ice and shake. Place fresh ice in a Collins glass and strain tequila mixture over ice, adding ginger beer as you pour.
Chairman's Trophy	Don Julio Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila Mexico, 40% abv, $50.00, 750 ml Don Julio Luxury Cider House	Excellent, Highly Recommended	Don Julio Luxury Cider House Featured Spirit: Don Julio Añejo 1.5 ounces Don Julio Añejo 2 ounces fresh squeezed apple cider .25 ounces fresh squeezed lemon juice .25 ounces agave nectar cinnamon powder cinammon stick Mix all ingredients together. Shake and pour into rocks glass over ice. Garnish with cinnamon powder and cinnamon stick.
	Familia Camarena Silver, 100% Agave Tequila Mexico, 40% abv, $20.00, 750 ml Bloody Sunday Margarita	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Bloody Sunday Margarita Featured Spirit: Familia Camarena Silver Tequila 4 ounces jalapeño infused Camarena Silver Tequila 1 jalapeño pepper 3 ounces fresh squeezed blood orange juice 1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice 2 ounces Cointreau blood orange peel for garnish In a cocktail shaker, combine jalapeño infused Camarena Silver Tequila, fresh squeezed blood orange juice, lime juice and Cointreau. Fill with ice and shake. Place fresh ice in a rocks glass and strain tequila mixture over ice. Garnish with a blood orange peel. To make jalapeño infusion, slice up a fresh jalapeño pepper and allow it to steep in 1 cup of Camarena Silver Tequila for 2 hours. Once infusing process is complete, remove the slices by pouring the mixture through a mesh strainer.
	Olmeca Plata, 100% Agave Tequila Mexico, 40% abv, $24.00, 750 ml Cougar Magnum	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Cougar Magnum Featured Spirit: Olmeca Plata Tequila 1.75 ounces Olmeca Plata .75 ounces Mathilde Pear Liqueur .75 ounces fresh lemon juice 5 blackberries 5 sprigs of mint 1 barspoon white sugar In a mixing tin, muddle sugar and blackberries (not the mint). Combine all ingredients with ice, including the mint, and shake. Fine strain over crushed ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a blackberry and fluffy sprig of mint.
	Tres Agaves Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila Mexico, 40% abv, $33.00, 750 ml Classic Tres Agaves Margarita	Good, Recommended	Classic Tres Agaves Margarita Featured Spirit: Tres Agaves Reposado Tequila 2 ounces Tres Agaves Reposado 1 ounce Tres Agaves cocktail-ready agave nectar 1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice Lime garnish Pour tequila, agave nectar and lime juice. Shake and serve on the rocks in a rocks glass with lime garnish.
	Familia Camarena Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila Mexico, 40% abv, $20.00, 750 ml Ginger Manzanatini	Good, Recommended	Ginger Manzanatini Featured Spirit: Familia Camarena Reposado Tequila 1.5 ounces Camarena Reposado Tequila .5 ounces Cointreau 2 ounces apple cider .5 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice 3 dashes of fresh ginger juice thinly sliced apple slices for garnish In a cocktail shaker, combine all of the ingredients. Fill with ice and give a generous shake. Double strain into a martini glass and garnish with a fan of thinly sliced apple slices.
	Real de Mexico Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila Mexico, 40% abv, $35.00, 750 ml The Real Mexicano	Good, Recommended	The Real Mexicano Featured Spirit: Real de Mexico Blanco Tequila 1.5 ounces Real de Mexico Blanco Tequila 1 ounce light agave nectar 1 chunk fresh pineapple 3-4 stalks of cilantro (leaves only) 2 round slices of jalapeno 1 6ounce can of pineapple juice juice of 2 Key limes (2/3 ounce approx.) Add lime juice, chunk of pineapple, 1 slice of jalapeno, cilantro leaves and tequila to tumbler glass and muddle for about a minute. Add agave nectar and rocks glass full of ice and shake for 30-60 seconds. Pour entire contents into rocks glass. Add splash of pineapple juice. Garnish with jalapeno and cilantro. Drink with a cocktail straw.
Rum
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
Chairman's Trophy	Blackbeard Spiced Rum Puerto Rico, 43% abv, $14.99, 750 ml Black Bitter & Stirred	Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation	Black Bitter & Stirred Featured Spirit: Blackbeard Spiced Rum 1.5 ounces Blackbeard Spiced Rum .5 ounces Fernet Branca 1 barspoon orgeat syrup large lemon peel Combine all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass and stir until well chilled. Strain over the twisted lemon peel in a small rocks glass.
	10 Cane Rum Trinidad, 40% abv, $29.00, 750 ml Trinidadian Punch	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Trinidadian Punch Featured Spirit: 10 Cane Rum 2 ounces 10 Cane Rum 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce agave syrup 1 ounce spiced chai tea several lemon peels Muddle lemon peels in the bottom of a punch glass. Fill glass with cracked ice. Add 10 Cane Rum, fresh lime juice, agave syrup and spiced chai tea. Stir for several minutes. Garnish with a lemon peel.
	Flor de Caña Centenaria Grand Reserve 7 Years Old Rum Nicaragua, 40% abv, $21.99, 750 ml The Macua	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	The Macua Featured Spirit: Flor de Caña Centenaria Grand Reserve 7 Year Old Rum 1.5 ounces Flor de Caña 7 Year Old 1 ounce quava juice 1 ounce orange juice .5 ounces fresh lemon juice 2/3 ounce simple syrup 1 orange slice 1 cherry with stem Fill two thirds of shaker with ice and add Flor de Caña 7 Year Old Rum, guava juice, orange juice, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake well for 20-30 seconds. Serve in Collins glass with ice. Decorate with orange slice and cherry.
	DonQ Cristal Rum Puerto Rico, 40% abv, $12.99, 750 ml Fancy No. 3	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Fancy No. 3 Featured Spirit: DonQ Cristal 2 ounces DonQ Cristal .75 ounces simple syrup .5 ounces lime juice . 5 ounces grapefruit juice 1 barspoon maraschino liqueur thin lime wheel for garnish Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a 5.5 ounce chilled cocktail coupe. Garnish with the lime wheel.
	Appleton Estate Reserve Rum Jamaica, 40% abv, $23.00, 750 ml The Original Mai Tai	Good, Recommended	The Original Mai Tai Featured Spirit: Appleton Estate Reserve Rum 1 ounce Appleton Estate Reserve 1 ounce Depaz Rhum Agricole .5 ounces Grand Marnier .5 ounces simple syrup .75 ounces orgeat syrup 1 ounce fresh lime juice mint sprig and half an orange wheel Add ingredients into mixing glass. Add one cube of ice and shake. Strain into glass that is three quarters full of crushed ice. Garnish with a large mint sprig and half an orange wheel. Serve in a tiki or a double old fashioned glass.
	DonQ Añejo Rum Puerto Rico, 40% abv, $15.99, 750 ml DonQ Palmetto	Good, Recommended	DonQ Palmetto Featured Spirit: DonQ Añejo 2 ounces DonQ Añejo 2 ounces Carpano Antica Formula 2 dashes of Peychaud Orange Bitters Orange twist Combine all ingredients over a larger piece of ice in a mixing glass. Stir until well chilled. Serve in a a 5.5 ounce chilled cocktail coupe, twist the orange peel over the cocktail, rim the glass and discard.
Cognac/Brandy
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
Chairman's Trophy	Gran Duque D'Alba 12 Years Old Spanish Brandy Spain, 40% abv, $39.99, 750 ml Spanish Sidecar	Excellent, Highly Recommended	Spanish Sidecar Featured Spirit: Gran Duque D'Alba Spanish Brandy 1.5 ounces Gran Duque D'Alba .75 ounces Creole Shrubb .5 ounces fresh squeezed lemon juice .25 ounces lavender honey syrup** In a shaker, mix all ingredients with ice. Serve in a cinnamon and sugar half rimmed martini glass. Sugar cinnamon: 2 parts sugar to one part cinnamon. **lavender-honey syrup: 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup hot water, 1/4 cup dried lavender. Mix well, let it cool and then strain.
Chairman's Trophy	Samogon Unaged Grape Spirit Kyryezstan, 45% abv, $24.99, 750 ml From Russia With Love	Excellent, Highly Recommended	From Russia With Love Featured Spirit: Samogon 2 ounces Samogon .5 ounces Dolin Blanc .5 ounces Tanqueray No. Ten 2 dashes Regan's Orange Bitters lemon spiral for garnish Stir well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon spiral.
	Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Champagne VSOP Cognac France, 40% abv, $50.00, 750 ml Gold Rush	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Gold Rush Featured Spirit: Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Champagne Cognac 2 ounces Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal VSOP Cognac .75 ounce lemon juice .75 honey Shake ingredients with ice then strain into rocks glass over ice.
	Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Champagne VSOP Cognac France, 40% abv, $50.00, 750 ml The Fig Sidecar	Good, Recommended	The Fig Sidecar Featured Spirit: Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Champagne Cognac 2 ounces fig-infused Remy Martin 1738 1 ounce Cointreau 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice homemade spiced brown sugar simple syrup* De-stem and cut in half black mission figs. Fill mason jar with figs. Fill the mason jar with 90% Remy 1738. Fill remaining 10% with homemade spiced brown sugar simple syrup. Shake fig-infused Remy Martin 1738, Cointreau and lemon juice with ice. Strain into chilled martini glass with sugared rim. *Spiced brown sugar simple syrup - equal parts brown sugar/water/spices of your choice - nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon recommended.
	Metaxa 5-Star Greek Brandy United States, 38% abv, $19.99, 750 ml Greek Mojito	Good, Recommended	Greek Mojito Featured Spirit: Metaxa Five-Star 1.5 ounces Metaxa 5-Star .75 ounce lemon juice 2 tsp brown sugar 10 mint sprigs 2 lime wedges soda water Muddle sugar, lemon juice, lime wedges and mint in a Collins glass. Fill with crushed ice, add Metaxa 5-Star and top with soda water. Stir and garnish with mint sprigs.
Pisco
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
	La Diablada Pisco Peru, 40% abv, $39.00, 750 ml Panamericano	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Panamericano Featured Spirit: La Diablada Pisco 2 ounces La Diablada Pisco 1 ounce Dolin Blanc Vermouth 1 ounce Cocchi Americano orange twist Combine all ingredients together and then stir. Serve over large ice cubes in a rocks glass and garnish with an orange twist.
Irish Whiskey
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
	Jameson Gold Blended Irish Whiskey Ireland, 40% abv, $60.00, 750 ml Brown University	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Brown University Featured Spirit: Jameson Gold 2 ounces Jameson Gold 1 ounce dry vermouth dash orange bitters orange peel for garnish Stir together with ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with orange peel.
Scotch Whisky
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
Chairman's Trophy	Glenfiddich 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Scotland, 40% abv, $29.99, 750 ml Blood and Sanguinello	Excellent, Highly Recommended	Blood and Sanguinello Featured Spirit: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky .75 ounces Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky .75 ounces Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur .75 ounces Lillet Rouge .5 ounces fresh lemon juice .25 ounces fresh pink grapefruit juice 4 Luxardo maresca cherries 2 dashes Regan's Orange Bitters In a Boston mixing glass muddle cherries, then add all other ingredients and shake well. Double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with orange zest - spritz oils then discard zest.
	Dewar's 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky Scotland, 40% abv, $42.00, 750 ml Darjeeling Cooler	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Darjeeling Cooler Featured Spirit: Dewar's 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky 2 ounces Dewar's 12 Year Old 2.5 ounces chilled Darjeeling tea 2/3 ounce heather honey syrup garnish: elegant, edible white flower (optional) Stir the ingredients together in a large tumbler glass with a generous serving of ice. Garnish with a single, elegant, edible white flower (optional).
	Bowmore 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Scotland, 40% abv, $44.99, 750 ml Smoking Aces	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Smoking Aces Featured Spirit: Bowmore 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 3 ounces vanilla infused Bowmore 12 Year Old* 5 orange zests 1.5 barspoons brown sugar 3 dashes Angostura Bitters orange zest for garnish Add orange zests, sugar and bitters to the bottom of a rocks glass. Muddle gently and make a paste. Add a little ice and .5 ounces of the Bowmore 12 Year Old and stir. Continue to add more ice and Bowmore while stirring. Stir until lengthened and cold. Garnish with flamed orange zest. *to infuse the BOWMORE: split 1 vanilla bean down the middle, tie kitchen string around an end and drop into the bottle. Let stand for at least 15 hours and up to 24. Remove the vanilla bean and discard.
	Auchentoshan Lowlands 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Scotland, 43% abv, $44.99, 750 ml The Kilted Cockerel	Good, Recommended	The Kilted Cockerel Featured Spirit: Auchentoshan 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2 ounces Auchentoshan 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1 ounce fresh pear purée 4 cardomom pods .5 ounces simple syrup .5 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice fanned segment of pear for garnish Muddle cardamom pods in the base of a shaker. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Add pear segment fan as garnish.
Still Wine/Champagne/Prosecco/Sparkling
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
	Jam Jar 2010 Sweet Shiraz South Africa, 12% abv, $11.99, 750 ml Ginger Jamtini	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Ginger Jamtini Featured Spirit: Jam Jar 2010 Sweet Shiraz 2.5 ounces Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz 1.5 ounces vodka .5 ounces simple syrup 1 small thumb fresh ginger root Peel and cut the ginger into one quarter size piece. In a mixing glass, muddle the ginger and simple syrup.Add the remaining ingredients and shake mixture with ice. Strain and serve in chilled cocktail glass. Rub the rim of the glass with raw ginger root and serve.
Liqueurs
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
Chairman's Trophy	Cointreau Liqueur France, 40% abv, $36.99, 750 ml Cointreau Cup	Excellent, Highly Recommended	Cointreau Cup Featured Spirit: Cointreau 2 ounces Cointreau .75 ounces fresh lemon juiice 2 large strawberries 2-3 slices of cucumber (depending on cucumber size) 2 good sized sprigs of mint club soda Muddle strawberries, cucumber and mint with fresh lemon juice. Add Cointreau, shake and strain over ice in a Collins glass. Top with club soda. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint.
	Cointreau Liqueur France, 40% abv, $36.99, 750 ml Cointreau Basil Lemonade	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Cointreau Basil Lemonade Featured Spirit: Cointreau 2 ounces Cointreau .5 ounces fresh lemon juice 2 ounces club soda 5 basil leaves Muddle basil with fresh lemon juice. Add Cointreau, shake and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Top with club soda. Garnish with a leaf of basil.
	Cointreau Liqueur France, 40% abv, $36.99, 750 ml Cointreau Ginger Mint Fizz	Good, Recommended	Cointreau Ginger Mint Fizz Featured Spirit: Cointreau 2 ounces Cointreau .5 ounces fresh lime juice 12 mint leaves 1 ounce ginger beer 1 ounce club soda garnish: mint sprig Muddle mint leaves with lime juice, add Cointreau. Shake, strain over fresh ice in a Collins glass. Top with ginger beer and club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig.
	Cointreau Liqueur France, 40.1% abv, $36.99, 750 ml Cointreau Blush	Good, Recommended	Cointreau Blush Featured Spirit: Cointreau 1 ounce Cointreau 1/3 ounce fresh lime juice fresh pink grapefruit juice soda water garnish: slice of lime Add one ounce Cointreau and some ice in a Collins glass. Add a splash of soda water, 1/3 ounce fresh lime juice. Top off with pink grapefruit juice and garnish with a lime slice.
Absinthe
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
Chairman's Trophy	Pernod Absinthe France, 68% abv, $70.00, 750 ml Green Beast	Excellent, Highly Recommended	Green Beast Featured Spirit: Pernod Absinthe 1 ounce Pernot Absinthe 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1 ounce simple syrup 4 ounces water thinly sliced cucumber Build ingredients in a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with cucumber slices.
Vermouth
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
Chairman's Trophy	Noily Prat Original Dry Vermouth France, 18% abv, $14.99, 750 ml Le Flip, C'est Chic	Excellent, Highly Recommended	Le Flip, C'est Chic Featured Spirit: Noilly Prat Original Dry 2 ounces Noilly Prat Original Dry 0.5 ounce organic single cream 0.5 ounce Monin orgeat (almond) syrup 0.25 ounce absinthe 1 small free range, organic egg yolk 1 star anis for garnish Add all ingredients (except garnish) in a shaker, egg yolk last. Shake all ingredients with ice cubes very thoroughly to totally emulsify the egg. Strain into a frozen Noilly Prat tasting/flip glass. Garnish with a floating star anis.
	Noily Prat Ambré Vermouth Aperitif France, 16% abv, $10.80, 750 ml Amber Cobbler	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Amber Cobbler Featured Spirit: Noilly Prat Ambré 4 ounces Noilly Prat Ambré 1 orange slice, plus 1 extra for garnish 1 lemon wedge, plus a lemon slice for garnish 2 fresh pineapple wedges without skin, plus 1 wedge for garnish 1 bar spoon Monin orgeat (almond) syrup champagne 1 fresh cherry for garnish In mixing glass, muddle the skinless pineapple wedges, orange slice and lemon wedge. Add Noilly Prat Ambré and shake gently over ice cubes. Strain into large goblet or highball glass filled with crushed/cracked ice. Top up with champagne. Garnish with pineapple wedge, orange slice, lemon slice and a fresh cherry.
	Noilly Prat Rouge Sweet Vermouth Aperitif France, 16% abv, $14.99, 750 ml The "New" New York Sour	Good, Recommended	The "New" New York Sour Featured Spirit: Noilly Prat Rouge 2 ounces rye whiskey 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice 1.5 bar spoon sugar 12 ounces Noilly Prat Rouge 0.15 ounce metil 2 ounces still water with low calcium content Shake whiskey, lemon juice & sugar over ice and strain into glass. Float Noilly Prat foam* on top. *To make foam: Mix Noilly Prat Rouge, metil and still water with a hand blender and strain into a siphon. Leave the siphon in the fridge for a least one hour, then fill with two charges. Press slowly.Serve in sour glass.
Other Liqueurs
Award	Product & Cocktail Name	Accolade
Chairman's Trophy	Becherovka Herbal Liqueur Czech, Rep., 38% abv, $24.00, 750 ml Czech-Up	Excellent, Highly Recommended	Czech-Up Featured Spirit: Bechervoka Herbal Liqueur 1.5 ounces Becherovka Herbal Liqueur 1.25 ounces Laird's Applejack 1 barspoon Yellow Chartreuse 1 ounce fresh lemon juice .75 ounces simple syrup 2 dashes Angostura Orange Bitters Splash club soda and lemon twist for garnish Build ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and shake to chill. Add splash of club soda to mixing glass and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Chairman's Trophy	St-Germain Liqueur France, 20% abv, $34.99, 750 ml The St-Germain Cocktail	Excellent, Highly Recommended	The St-Germain Cocktail Featured Spirit: St-Germain 1.5 ounces St-Germain 2 ounces Brut Champagne/dry sparkling wine 2 ounces club soda Lemon twist Fill a tall Collins glass with ice. Add champagne/dry sparkling wine first, then add St-Germain, then Club Soda. Stir completely. Garnish with a lemon twist making sure to squeeze essential oils into the glass.
	Gran Classico Bitter Liqueur Switzerland, 28% abv, $29.99, 750 ml Gran Classico Negroni	Very Good, Strong Recommendation	Gran Classico Negroni Featured Spirit: Gran Classico Bitter 1 ounce Gran Classico 1.25 ounces Plymouth Gin .75 ounces Carpano Antica garnish: orange or lemon peel Stir with ice in a mixing glass and serve straight up in chilled martini glass with an orange or lemon twist garnish (prepare as per traditional negroni).
	Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur Italy, 24% abv, $19.99, 750 ml Frangelico Chocolate Cake	Good, Recommended	Frangelico Chocolate Cake Featured Spirit: Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur 1.5 ounces Frangelico 1.5 ounces Skyy Infusions Citrus Vodka lemon sugar* lemon slice Shake Frangelico and SKYY Infusions Citrus Vodka. Strain into rocks glass garnished with lemon slice coated with lemon sugar. Serve straight up. *Lemon sugar: take 1 cup sugar and then zest a lemon right into the sugar. Mix for a few seconds.
	hum Botanical Spirit Liqueur United States, 35% abv, $37.99, 750 ml Banks of a Feather	Good, Recommended	Banks of a Feather Featured Spirit: hum Botanical Spirit 1 ounce hum 1 ounce Bank's 5 Island Rum 1 ounce fresh lime juice plus its zest .5 ounce honey syrup* .5 ounce egg white oversized grapefruit zest 2" tip of rosemary sprig Vigorously shake first five ingredients with hard, fresh ice. Double strain into chilled martini glass.Pull an over-sized grapefruit zest (ruby red, cocktail grapefruit or pomelo are best) over the finished cocktail to capture the oils that release on top of the frothy egg whites. Drop the zest into the cocktail. Slap the rosemary sprig in the palm of your hand and float on top. *Honey syrup: 5 parts honey made mixable by whisking in 1 part tea-hot water.
	Tempus Fugit Spirits Liqueur de Violettes Liqueur United States, 22% abv, $27.99, 750 ml L'Avation	Good, Recommended	L'Avation Featured Spirit: Tempus Fugit Spirits Liqueur de Violettes (primary) and Voyager Gin (secondary) .5 ounces Liqueur de Violettes 1.5 ounces Voyager Gin .5 ounces Luxardo Maraschino .75 ounces fresh lemon juice garnish: lemon peel Place ingredients in shaker with ice and shake hard for 7 seconds. Double strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with lemon peel.
	Alizé Gold Passion Fruit Liqueur France, 16.5% abv, $19.99, 750 ml Alizé Transfusion	Good, Recommended	Alizé Transfusion Featured Spirit: Alizé Gold Passion 2 ounces Alizé Gold Passion 1 ounce Coruba Coconut Rum 1 ounce cranberry juice Garnish with a lime wedge Mix all ingredients together and serve over ice in a rocks glass.

2011 Ultimate Cocktail Challenge — Signature Results

Ultimate Cocktail Challenge 2011

April 5–8, 2011

Astor Center, New York City

Aperitifs

Gin/Genever

Vodka

Tequila/Mezcal

Rum

Cognac/Brandy

Pisco

Irish Whiskey

Scotch Whisky

Still Wine/Champagne/Prosecco/Sparkling

Liqueurs

Absinthe

Vermouth

Other Liqueurs