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Mixing with the best: Okanagan bartenders stir up the competition

The event took place Nov. 7

Another bartender has been crowned as the best in the cocktail biz at the Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery Mixoff. 

The annual event brought together the valleyѻýs finest for the spirited competition. Each bartender showcased their unique creations which featured at least two ingredients from Okanagan Spirits, to a full house including a panel of judges. 

According to event organizer Rosanne Ting-Mak Brown, many competitors spent months perfecting their recipes, crafting extracts, and infusing spirits to enhance their drinks.

The evening culminated with awards in three categories: Judgeѻýs Choice Cocktail, Peopleѻýs Choice Drink, and Peopleѻýs Choice Best Bite Food.

Gillian Buss from Maestro Mediterranean took home the Judgeѻýs Choice Cocktail award with her cocktail, ѻýThe Au-Pearѻý.

In the Peopleѻýs Choice awards, Gerry Jobe from Simps Modern Beverage in collaboration with Craft 42 Roasters and Karat Chocolate claimed the top spot for Peopleѻýs Choice Cocktail for his cocktail ,ѻýThanks a Lattehѻý. 

And, for Peopleѻýs Choice Best Bite, Chef Josh Starrett from Derricks Steakhouse took the win. 

"The creativity and originality displayed by these competitors is outstanding,ѻý said Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery owner Tyler Dyck. "Every year, the bartenders raise the bar, working closely with chefs to create perfect drink and food pairings that enhance the overall experience."

Judging the event was Chef Jeremy Luypen, Stephen Brown of Kelowna Scotch and Fine Spirits, Jaime Morgan, and Justin Morgan, who sampled.

 

 



Jen Zielinski

About the Author: Jen Zielinski

I am a broadcast journalism graduate from BCIT and hold a bachelor of arts degree in political science and sociology from Thompson Rivers University. I enjoy volunteering with local organizations, such as the Okanagan Humane Society.
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