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42BELOW Cocktail World Cup celebrates St Patrick's day with final challenge, 'ready, steady, shake'

Friday 18 March 2011, 6:54AM

By 42BELOW

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Team Australia's Winning Cocktail
Team Australia's Winning Cocktail Credit: 42BELOW
Team Australia pouring their winning cocktail
Team Australia pouring their winning cocktail Credit: 42BELOW

QUEENSTOWN

With less than 24 hours until the grand final event in the 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup and the competition remains wide open. Team Australia winning the final challenge ‘Ready, Steady, Shake’ in which contestants are given a mystery box of eight ingredients and seven minutes to create a cocktail.

Team Australia’s creation ‘Hoarie Bagins’ was a clear winner with judge, Australian Bartender of the Year Jason Williams impressed with their ‘on the spot’ infusing of an Agave syrup. “Their drink was rich and spicy with a clear, fresh finish from the fruit they used.” Making their debut in the competition was the ultimate mixology ‘supergroup’ made up of judges Salvatore ‘Maestro’ Calabrese, best selling drinks author, David Wondrich and US Brand ambassador Raj Nagra. The team went for quantity over quality, with each preparing their own creation (this was possibly due to them being unable to agree on just one offering for the judges!)

The challenge was guest judged by Gordon Ramsay protégé and Masterchef host, Josh Emett who earlier hosted a group of international media and judges on a cruise around Lake Wakatipu.

To be sure, to be sure, there was plenty of green around throughout the day. Competitors celebrating St Patrick’s Day with team Europe, consisting of two Paddy’s and a Frenchman, serving up strong Irish coffee and a ‘South Island Sour’ comprising of 42 Below Feijoa and Guinness (we promise it tastes much better than it sounds!)

42BELOW’s esteemed vodka professor and 2011 judge, Jacob Briars, prepped up the competitors with a presentation on Cocktail Competitions – ‘How to win them or have a great time trying’. Briars has been involved in the event since its inception seven years ago and provided the teams with invaluable advice. Briars believes the formulae for cocktail success comes down to the following; motivation, inspiration, creation, preparation and execution.

The teams are now rehearsing for the ‘Carnival of the Cocktail’ grand final event tomorrow night, which will be held under a Big Top marquee at the Lake Hayes showgrounds. Tickets are still available with all proceeds going to the Christchurch Earthquake Relief Effort. For tickets please go to www.1-night.co.nz

RECIPE OF THE DAY:

Team Australia’s ‘Hoarie Bagins’

30 mls 42BELOW Manuka Honey

15 mls 42BELOW Pure

Pear Muddled

15 mls Cinnamon and Chilli infused Agave syrup

1 Kaffir Lime Leaf

½ Lime (juiced)

30 ml Apple Juice

Garnish with Chilli, Kaffir lime leaf and pear fan.