Gin it to win it

Dry January is safely behind us (hurray), and February is all about our love for booze. Fans of the drink du jour are in for a real treat as the annual Beefeater MIXLDN gin cocktail competition comes to London. From classic flips to flamboyant flair, the botanical spirit will have its versatility showcased by mixologists from across the globe as they battle it out to be named Gin Champion.

From 1,500 entrants down to just 32, these hopefuls, each representing a different country, will compete in producing a gin-based cocktail of their own creation inspired by their home city’s urban diversity. Only the best can progress with eight bartenders making it through to The Grand Final on 8th February at The Bike Shed.

For those of you lucky enough to have nabbed a ticket to witness the full gambit of creative bartending skills, you’ll also be involved in choosing the winner, along with the help of three industry experts, Super Lyan’s Ryan Chetiyawardana (A.K.A. Mr Lyan), Beefeater’s Desmond Payne, who this year marked his 50th year making gin, and Simon Difford of industry bible, Difford’s Guide. It sounds like the best tonic for a dreary February.

Head over to the Beefeater MIXLDN page to check out the finalists and for more information: www.beefeatermixldn.com

Instagram: @Beefeatermixldn
Twitter: @BeefeaterGin

Written by Simran Maini-Hoskins