By the end of August, 50 creative cocktail recipes had been submitted. Ten candidates were able to qualify for the final round and were visited by a selected jury of experts at their place of work for the final. The cocktails were judged on the criteria of aroma, taste and appearance.
In addition to evaluating the cocktail, the Barkeeper also had to answer the questions of the expert jury on the topic of Agricole Rhum and Saint James. The winners come from Bern, Basel and Neuchâtel.
Nils Lièvre came in 3rd place. His winning cocktail "Marie & James" can be enjoyed above the rooftops of Neuchâtel in the Waves Bar. With a view of the lake, you leave your everyday life behind and your thoughts drift off to a sandy Caribbean beach. Exactly where Saint James Rhum is based: on the island of Martinique. The French island is not only a beautiful place for a holiday, but it also has an ideal climate for growing sugar cane.
Leonardo Mesmer from the Arthouse Basel shook his way into 2nd place. With his drink "Kissing James", served on a hand-decorated skateboard, he convinced not only the jury but also numerous guests. "The combination of Saint James Rhum, raspberry puree and the trendy Pandan cardamom syrup is unique and summery fresh. Saint James is an excellent companion for summer cocktails," said Leonardo Mesmer in the evening when the jury came by the Arthouse.
Monika Zünd made it to the top. She is chef de bar at Turbo Lama in Bern. Her cocktail "Pink Snow" with its interesting combination of hibiscus, coconut and wild berries convinced the jury on all points. The fruity components complement the Agricole Rhum from Saint James perfectly. In addition, she shone in front of the expert jury with her great knowledge of Saint James Rhum.
Asked about her cocktail inspiration, Monika replied: "My inspiration? None. I saw the hibiscus syrup on the shelf and thought, 'This is my challenge for the Saint James Cocktail Competition! ›»
Recipes
Check out the Saint James Rhum and the three winning recipes for yourself by testing them in person at one of the three exclusive bars!
1st place - Pink Snow:
| 5 cl | Saint James Rhum Agricole Paille |
| 3 cl | Cream of Coconut |
| 2 cl | Hibiscus syrup |
| 4 cl | Cranberry juice |
| 2 cl | Lemon juice |
| frozen berries |
2nd place - Kissing James:
| 4.5 cl | Saint James Agricole Impérial Blanc |
| 1 cl | Cocchi Americano, white |
| 2 cl | Pandan cardamom syrup (own blend) |
| 2 cl | Lime juice |
| 1 cl | Raspberry puree |
| a little soda to finish |
Garnish: dried lime, pandan leaf
3rd place - Marie & James:
| 6 cl | Saint James Rhum Paille |
| 0.5 cl | Mezcal Meteoro Espadin |
| 3 cl | Lime juice |
| 2 cl | Honey |
| 2.5 cl | Galliano liqueur |
| 2 Dash | Vanilla bitters |
| a pinch of mixed salt and Espelette pepper |
