Charleston Wine + Food has once again challenged local bartenders to conjure up their craftiest cocktail creations for the 2019 Charleston Wine + Food Cocktail Competition. This year, the Holy City’s best + brightest beverage professionals were tasked with mixing up a unique cocktail featuring Charleston Wine + Food’s official 2019 spirit – American Whiskey.
Dozens of mixologists submitted their take on the classic spirit to a panel of four judges. Judges evaluated each cocktail based on four categories: Originality, Use of Product, Taste, and Presentation. After the judges scored the recipes, the top 10 recipes were chosen to move onto the semi-finals.
Semi-finalists will serve up their original drinks at their respective restaurants or bars from November 1 – November 30 for the public to enjoy. Beginning November 1, people will be able to vote for their favorite cocktail online. The People’s Choice votes will contribute to the scores in Round 3.
A Fine How Do You Do
Anna Lazaridis – Fiery Ron’s Hometeam BBQ
Spirit Used: Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Rye
From the Ashes
Darren Fallon – The Watch
Spirit Used: Virgil Kane Ginger Infused
Pipe Dream
Franklin Arevalo – The Obstinate Daughter
Spirit Used: Templeton Rye aged 4 years
Star Value
James Bolt – The Gin Joint
Spirit Used: Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon 100 Proof
Strawless Strawberry Smash
Katie Daniel – Bar Mash
Spirit Used: Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon 100 Proof
Sugar Spice Everything Nice
Melissa Yard – Joséphine Wine Bar
Spirit Used: Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey
Up All Night in NOLA
Morgan Hurley – Mex 1 Coastal Cantina
Spirit Used: Larceny Bourbon
Real Mermaids Drink Whiskey
Rochelle Jones – Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
Spirit Used: Wild Turkey Bourbon Rye
Sweet Lil Nellie
Ryan Wise – The Establishment
Spirit Used: High West Double Rye
Whippersnapper
Sam Gabrielli – Proof
Spirit Used: Four Roses Bourbon
