2013 Nightclub & Bar Show Shook It Up!

 

Last month, over 30,000 industry representatives attended the Nightclub and Bar Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas. While roaming the tradeshow floor sampling new products (think: energy drinks galore!), the seventh annual 2013 SHAKE IT UP! Competition took place.

Shake It Up Competitors

Shake it Up! is hosted by Nightclub & Bar Media Group and Southern Wine & Spirits. In the competition, mixologists battle it out by demonstrating skill, flair and creative concoctions by presenting an original recipe that was judged by a panel of the nation’s leading mixologists.

Shake It Up Cocktails 5Shake It Up Cocktails 4

This year’s winner was Diane Silvey from the Bellagio Las Vegas who took home the top prize of $15,000 and bragging rights!

Winner Diane Silva

Here are the finalists of the competition with photos of the winning drinks that took them to the finals, as well as the recipe for the cocktail they won their placement:

The Finalists

1st Place
Diane Silvey – Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV

American PieAmerican Pie by Diane Silvey

“American Dream”
1 oz. Larceny Bourbon
½ oz. Patrón XO Café
1 ½ oz. Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
1/8 oz. Root Beer Syrup
2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
Method: Chilled up in a cocktail coupe.
Garnish: orange rind star & orange zest

2nd Place
Mike Henderson – Root Down, Denver, CO

The Sporting LifeThe Sporting Life by Mike Henderson

“Root Of The Matter”
1 ¼ oz. Luxardo Amaro Abano
1 oz. Jameson Irish Whiskey
¼ oz. Root Beer Syrup
¼ oz. Framboise Vinegar
1 whole egg
6 drops coffee extract
Method: Combine all ingredients except coffee extract. Dry shake for 30-45 seconds.  Add ice and shake again for 10 seconds.  Double fine strain into a cocktail coupe.  Add 6 drops of coffee extract.

3rd Place
Dustin Drankiewicz – The Local Chicago, Chicago, IL

Pimp My Sweet HomePimp My Sweet Home by Max Solano

“Matthews Law”
1 ½ oz. Pyrat Rum
½ oz. Aperol
¼ oz. Root Beer Syrup
Raspberry & orange peel
2 dashes Fee Brothers Peach Bitters
Method: Muddle raspberry and orange peel. Add Pyrat, Aperol, bitters and root beer syrup. Shake and double strain into a cocktail coupe.  Top with Fever Tree Ginger Beer.
Garnish: mint top

4th Place
Max Solano – Delmonico Steakhouse, Las Vegas, NV
“Root Of All Evil”
1 ¾ oz. Tanqueray 10
½ oz. Luxardo Fernet
6 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
2 pieces grapefruit peel
¼ oz. Root Beer Syrup
2 oz. Fever Tree Club Soda
Method: Combine all ingredients and stir for 30 seconds.  Strain into a cocktail coupe.
Garnish: grapefruit peel dipped in ground cloves

5th Place
Chris Hopkins – Vesper Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, NV

The Whiskey TheifThe Whiskey Theif by Chris Hopkins

“Protect The Root”
1 ½ oz. Don Julio Anejo
¾ oz. Luxardo Fernet
½ oz. Luxardo Morlacco Cherry
½ oz. Root Beer Syrup
2 drops Fee Brothers Rhubarb Bitters
2 drops Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
Method: stir and strain into a cocktail coupe.
Garnish: flamed orange swath

Best Garnish
David Martinez – Torch Bar & Grill, Fenton, MI

Top of the Morning to YaTop of the Morning to Ya by David Martinez

Handmade Candied Orange Peel Rose on Mint Sprigs



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