Final 3rd SWISS COCKTAIL OPEN 2023

Sloe and Steady is the best cocktail in Switzerland

Stylianos Kalemis from Late Bloomers in Zurich beats 23 Barkeeper to win the final of the Swiss Cocktail Open 2023. Switzerland's biggest cocktail competition was held for the third time this year, surrounded by a networking area and table fair with ten companies. Even more reason to attend the exciting finale in Hall 550 in Zurich Oerlikon.
Stylianos Kalemis (right) wins the 3rd SWISS COCKTAIL OPEN

The Swiss Cocktail Open was created during Corona, and now it is already the third edition of the biggest Swiss Cocktail Competition. Yesterday evening, the final took place again in Hall 550 in Zurich Oerlikon. In the usual competition manner: the competition started quietly with a total of 24 competitors who had qualified for the finals from almost 60 applications in the weeks before. But when those six Barkeeper presented their own creations to the jury in the second final round, the atmosphere was exactly what this competition is all about.

The 24 finalists of the SWISS COCKTAIL OPEN

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For the lively format with networking area and integrated table fair all in Switzerland active Barkeeper:inside with new cocktail creation could apply according to a few specifications. For the long or short drinks, they had to use at least one product from an international and one from a Swiss manufacturer. A maximum of one homemade and one special or niche product were allowed to be used. In many cocktail competitions, participants are often only allowed to draw from a small portfolio of spirits. This is different at the Swiss Cocktail Open, where participants can draw on products from more than 80 brands that make the event possible as partners.

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The "Best Cocktail in Switzerland 2023

The creation "Sloe and Steady" by Stylianos Kalemis convinced all along the line. The operator of the Zurich bar Late Bloomers chose a base of gin, whiskey, which he combined with golden balm and lemon for his drink. "Sloe and Steady" convinced the expert jury, which, under the chairmanship of Ruedi Zotter, was once again made up of experts from a wide range of professions in this third competition formation.

The Sloe and Steady impressed: "The Sloe and Steady by Stylianos convinced with an elegant and interesting symbiosis of ingredients, which harmonized in terms of taste," says juror Daniel Staub. In general, however, there were very interesting, creative drinks, all of which were convincing in their own way. "In the end, nuances helped them to win. In general, clear shapes in glasses, discreet decorations and "clear" ice are currently in vogue. Very reduced and elegant, but still complex and in ideal balance. Less is more, and this set the finalists apart from the rest of their competitors," Staub adds.

"Sloe and Steady"
Winning drink SWISS COCKTAIL OPEN 2023

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by Stylianos Kalemis | Late Bloomers, Zurich

4 clGin Ginuine
1 clWhiskey Wild Turkey
2 clGolden balm syrup (Home Made)
2 clLemon Juice
2 clAquafaba
Refill with Sloe Tonic Water, Gents

Deco: Gold balm tea

"Stylianos' Sloe and Steady managed to impress with an elegant and interesting symbiosis of ingredients that harmonized in flavor."

The challenge cup was presented by last year's winner Valentin Aleksandrowicz. This means that the trophy will now go from Western Switzerland to Zurich. The true joy was written on Stylianos Kalemis' face. He "honestly could not" believe the victory at first, even in view of his competitors.

As the winner of the largest cocktail competition, Stylianos Kalemis secured a voucher for himself and four companions for the production of their own gin. In addition, the Athens native will receive a wildcard for the qualification in the category "Barkeeper of the year" at the Swiss Bar Awards 2024 and a portrait in the trade magazine Bar News.

Second place was taken by Barkeeper Randy Schaller from Bar Le Vestibule in Lausanne. His drink called "The Green Tale" is based on the spirit Mezcal. He was followed by Barkeeper Flurin Kopp of Zurich's Frigo @ Hive. His base in his drink "Sancho Street" was gin. Schaller and Kopp each win a voucher for the Swiss Bar Awards 2023 on October 25 at Trafo Baden.

All finalists receive a personal diploma for their participation as well as the recently published, successful book "Bar Szene Schweiz".

"In the end, nuances helped us win."

Ranking List 2nd Final Round

RankNameLocalDrinkAppearance
Max. 12
Aroma / Fragrance / Texture / Harmony
Max. 36
Storytelling
Max. 12
Total
Max. 60
1.Stylianos KalemisLate Bloomers, ZurichSLOE AND STEADY10.228.810.049.0
2.Randy SchallerLe Vestibule, LausanneTHE GREEN TALE9.628.88.847.2
3.Flurin KoppFrigo @ Hive, ZurichSANCHO STREET9.627.68.846.0
4.Leonard BaioccoIgniv, ZurichFLED MEXICAN9.427.68.445.4
5.Marcel John BöschCocktail bar zum Türk, SolothurnFARMER'S BREAK8.628.28.245.0
6.Rahel Anna StuderCocktail bar zum Türk, SolothurnEL GUERRERO9.625.88.844.2

Implementation next year already in planning

The date for the next Swiss Cocktail Open has already been set. It will take place on Monday, May 6, 2024. Information for partners and Barkeeper will be published in good time on the website swisscocktailopen.ch and in the trade magazine Bar News.

This article appeared in
Issue 2-2023

BAR NEWS magazine as single issue

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