At the oldest mocktail competition in Switzerland, the drinks were presented for the first time by the bartenders who sent in the recipes. One of them was Christian Heiss, bar manager of the Kronenhalle Bar, who took part in a competition again after a long time - and won.
Non-alcoholic mixed drinks, often regarded with a sceptical eye, have their place on every bar menu - even if they are often overshadowed by their high-proof siblings.
But if you set out to create a mocktail that could rival the taste of almost any alcoholic cocktail, you will find recipes like the one at Nullpromille Trophy 2019.
The jurors were delighted with the creations presented by the six finalists at the Panorama Resort & Spa Feusisberg on 3 June. Juror Sarah Leuenberger, Barkeeper of the year 2014, was surprised by the creative realisation of the finalists and Peter Roth (who stepped aside during Christian Heiss' presentation) was also convinced by the high standard of the cocktails.
Raspberry - Fruit of the Year 2019?
The secret star of the day was the raspberry. It played a more or less important role in almost every mocktail recipe - and ensured that, with a few exceptions, every drink had a similar hue.
"When we first announced a competition for non-alcoholic cocktails eight years ago, we never imagined that this category would have the status it enjoys today.
Ruedi Zotter, editor of BAR-NEWS and initiator of the Swiss Nullpromille Trophy
Nevertheless, no drink looked like the other, thanks to elaborate and lovingly produced decorations. The eye also drinks with non-alcoholic cocktails, so it was logical that the external values were also included in the ratings.
Competition comeback of Christian Heiss
After a long time, Christian Heiss, bar manager of the Kronenhalle Bar, once again took part in a cocktail competition. With his creation "Carpe Diem" made of yuzu, raspberry coulis, Monin bitters, cranberry juice and Ginger Beer , he was able to convince the judges the most and mixed his way to first place.
A familiar face also came in second place, only five points behind the winner. Adriano Volpe, Barkeeper of the year 2015 and winner of Nullpromille Trophy in 2016, came up trumps with probably the most elaborate decoration, which consisted of gold leaf, gold powder, rose and a butterfly carved from a piece of apple.
The only participant who did not use raspberries during the final is Damaris Staudenmann. The bartender of the "Blue Cocktail Bar" already made it to third place last year and came up with something special for her presentation.
Engraved in the glass drinking straw was the name of the drink: Amarelo. A drink with passion fruit, maple syrup, Seedlip Spice, basil and lemonade.
Attractive winner prize
It was no coincidence that the final was held at the Panorama Resort & Spa Feusisberg. As the winner of the 8th Swiss Nullpromille Trophy , Christian Heiss wins a weekend in a 4-star hotel with a unique view of Lake Zurich worth CHF 1,150.
All the recipes from Nullpromille Trophy will appear in the next issue of BAR NEWS, which will be published at the end of June. They will also be featured in the next issue of BAR MIXBOOKLET at the end of November, along with 122 other attractive cocktails.
Results
| Rank | Name | Company, place | Total |
| 1 | Christian Heiss | Kronenhalle Bar, Zurich | 241 |
| 2 | Adriano Volpe | Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, Basel | 236 |
| 3 | Damaris Staudenmann | Blue Cocktail Bar, Bern | 219 |
| 4 | Tobias Friday | Le muh at Swissôtel, Zurich | 217 |
| 5 | Nadja Scherrer | Lunaris Bar, St. Gallen | 212 |
| 6 | Liane Arnold | Baradox, Zurich | 209 |
