Hong Kong Bartender Association to stage vodka cocktail competition

Hong Kong Bartenders Association (HKBA) is staging the Jiu Jiu Vodka Cocktail Competition on 4 September where 50 top mixologists from the region’s hotels, bars and clubs will create two vodka-based cocktails for a chance to win HK$8,000.

Contests from last year’s cocktail competition

Scheduled in conjunction with Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong (RBHK), the leading fine dining and bar exhibition in Asia Pacific region, the cocktail competition is launched to promote “mixologists, bartending skills and cocktail culture,” according to Neil Wong, president of HKBA.

Each contestant will be asked to create two drinks – one before dinner and one after dinner cocktail, using a maximum of six ingredients including spirits, liqueur, herbs, spice and infused beverages, in under five minutes for each category, according to the organiser.

Judges will evaluate the cocktails based on appearance, aroma, taste, creativity, mixing skills, hygiene and time management.

The competition will help the industry to scout and recognise talents, as Wong argues that with new bar openings in Hong Kong, a shortage of skilled and experienced bartenders has become the main challenge in the local bar scene.

“There are new bars opening up shortly, namely Rosewood Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, Marriot Hotel in Ocean Park, three bars to be opened in Mongkok and Tai Po by M1 Bar Group. There is a shortage of experienced bartenders in the market,” Wong told dbHK.

Speaking of new cocktail trends that are taking over Hong Kong, the veteran bar maven, observed that vintage spirits are taking a hold among bars, citing examples of ‘Old Fashioned’, and ‘French 75’, where non-vintage rum and gin are being replaced with aged spirits.

Vodka-based cocktails are also staples on bar menus. “Bartenders enjoy infusing the vodka with herbs and spices, and to create their signature cocktails,” he continued.

This year, the only vodka to be used by contestants during the competition is New Zealand’s Jiu Jiu Vodka, distilled by Golden Bay Distillery.

“We are truly honoured to be the main sponsor of such a prestigious cocktail competition where Hong Kong and Macau’s finest Mixologists showcase their talents,” says Paul Anderson, co-founder of the distillery.

This year’s panel of judges will consist of Masahiko Endo, bar manager of Mizunara the Library; Enrico Ho, vice president of HKBA; Eddie Nara, founder of Barrel Concepts; Gary Ho, restaurant manager of Dynasty Club; Jacky Lai, lecturer of Hong Kong Cocktail School; and Beckaly Franks from bar The Pontiac.

The champion of the Jiu Jiu Vodka Cocktail Competition will be awarded HK$8,000, while the first runner-up for will receive HK$4,000 and the second HK$2,000.

The RBHK will run from 4 to 6 September at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).