
San Diego GQ
October 15th, 2008 -- Posted in GQ Bartenders Contest | Comments OffClick on the stars to rate this post:
The gorgeous California coastline was my guide from Los Angeles down to the sunny beaches of San Diego. Looking out over the inviting sand and endless ocean, I realized why so many songs have been written about this part of the country. It’s easy to draw inspiration from a place like this!
The San Diego leg of the competition did not disappoint. It was easily one of the most pumped up and inspirational stops yet, especially among the mixologists taking part. Lots of energy, thought and practice had gone in to the majority of the recipes presented and the aesthetics alone were worth the visit. San Diego truly raised the bar to a top shelf level.
Now on to the winners! Normally, I pick three winners, but the two I mention today were truly on another level completely.
Runner-up Adam is a part owner and bar chef of a local establishment. He presented a refreshing spin on a classic, called “Harvest Punch”. Think red bell pepper combined with a spice similar to a Bloody Mary and complemented with Bombay SAPPHIREâ Gin, stirred and served in a jam jar. Why a jam jar? Adam grew up in the country, where his dad made moonshine in the barnyard out back. His dad would disappear for some time and reappear with jam jars full of clear liquid, hence the homage paid with the name and glassware.
No less inventive or talented was the winner, Teddy Wickersham. Teddy works at a local restaurant and gambled that his take on a classic would pay off. It most certainly did! His winning recipe was called the SAPPHIRE® Spirilla and I’m not ashamed to say that it floated to the top. Teddy starts with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE and adds his unique combination of ginger-beer syrup, ginger soda and a float of root beer schnapps liqueur. To finish, he garnishes with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a pinch of freshly shaved nutmeg. Surprisingly, it’s a drink that enhances, not disguises the spicier flavours of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE.
Of course I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my outstanding team in San Diego—Dalina, Sun and Natalie—who all did a great job in organizing this event.
-MR








Sebastien Tobler




