If you’re in the northern hemisphere, chances are you’re cold and it’s either raining or snowing outside. What you need is a dose of tiki magic to put the sunshine back into your life – or turn you into a Zombie. First, a few basics: a tiki is a carving of a Polynesian god. Polynesia is a group of about…

Sponsored by Bénédictine Liqueur, the final took place in the Skylounge at the DoubleTree by Hilton close to the Tower of London. Paulo won an all-expenses five-day paid trip to South Africa, representing the UK in the 2014 IBA World Final. Paulo beat 21 other mixologists, and triumphed with his creation: One D.O.M. The cocktail was made up of Bénédictine, Zorokovich vodka, lime juice, and…

We looked no further than former Drinks International editor and all-round spirits authority, Patience Gould, to offer her views on the subject. There’s something a tad strange about vodka and its heritage. It’s tacitly agreed that it was first distilled in either Poland or Russia, or should I say either Russia or Poland. It’s an evident part of Russian life –…

Posthumus’s Jaws inspired ‘Killer Cocktail’ impressed the judges, which included journalists and bar experts.  Posthumus is to be rewarded with a trip to Italy for the Venice Film Festival, where she will have the opportunity to serve her Disaronno signature cocktail to celebrities. The competition, now in its third year, started with castings which attracted over 1000 applicants. These were held in locations inspired by movie…

David Rios from The Jigger Cocktail bar in Bilbao has taken the title. Rios, along with 43 other global finalists took part in a five day cruise around the Mediterranean, aboard the Azamara Journey cruise liner. They were joined by more than 600 guests and the competitors had to complete challenges throughout the five days to assess their skill, knowledge and creativity. Seminars…

The project comprises a five-day intensive course which takes place at the Best Western Hotel in Salobrena, Andalusia, southern Spain between September 16 and 20. It is aimed at professionals and rum enthusiasts. Burrell is the creative force behind the rum experience programme and he says the course has been designed to offer a rum education “like no other”. He says students can…

Seeking out the best champagne bars is Françoise Peretti, director of the Champagne Bureau, who acts as spokesperson for the Comité Champagne (CIVC) in the UK, the organisation established to look after the common interests of wine growers and producers in Champagne. A keen traveller, she loves spotting champagne trends around the globe. THE EFFERVESCENCE AND SPARKLE of Champagne has always…