Pre-mixed Drinks Challenge results

11 January, 2010

Drinks International’s inaugural pre-mixed drinks challenge has revealed a high level of innovation in the ready-to-drink category. Judges included top bartenders, trainers, consultants and a Barwizard. Entrants had a choice of five categories in which to submit their drink, depending on how it is made. Categories ranged from original product combinations for non-traditional pre-mixed drinks to ready-made cocktails for drinks that are ready to serve. The results show an impressive eight gold medals, five silvers, five bronzes and five commendeds.

Original/unique product combination

Brand owner Brand Medal
Global Brands VK Vodka Pear: Gold

Classic alcoholic drink and mixer combination
Diageo       Smirnoff Vodka & Schweppes Tonic        : Gold
Diageo       J&B and Cola:     Silver
Diageo       Bulleit Bourbon & Cola: Bronze
Diageo       Smirnoff Vodka & Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice: Bronze
Diageo       Smirnoff Vodka & Apple Juice Drink: Commended
Diageo       Gordon’s Gin & Schweppes Tonic: Commended

Ready-made cocktails
Diageo       Smirnoff Cosmopolitan: Gold
VNC Cocktails      Margarita: Gold
VNC Cocktails      Banana Daiquiri: Gold
VNC Cocktails      Feijoa & Apple: Gold
VNC Cocktails      Strawberry Daiquiri: Silver
Cooperativea Agricola Pisquera Elqui Capel Toffee Cream Colada:        Silver
Global Brands     VK Mojito Original: Bronze
Diageo       Cacique Mojito: Bronze
Cooperativea Agricola pisquera Elqui Coctel Capel Pina Colada: Bronze
Beam Global Spirits & Wine   Sauza Original Margarita: Commended
West Eleven Cocktails Elderflower Collins:        Commended
Cooperativea Agricola Pisquera Elqui Capel Pisco Sour Doble Destilado: Commended

Classic cocktail (user adds alcoholic drink)
Funkin The Mojito: Gold

Design & packaging
Diageo       Smirnoff Cosmopolitan: Gold
Diageo       Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold & Cola: Silver
Diageo       J&B and Cola:     Silver

Judges
1. Neil Lowrey from dynamic flair duo The Barwizards;
2. Dan Wilks from Create Cocktails;
3. Bartender trainer Leanne Davidson;
4. Julian Shaw, director of bar consultancy the Gorgeous Group;
5. Drinks International’s news and website editor Lucy Britner.