Liquid Art Mixology Comp

Liquid Art Cocktail Comp

Fast becoming a rite of passage for Brisbane bartenders, Fortitude Valley’s Fringe Bar held yet another of their famed Liquid Art cocktail competitions on Sunday March 21. From young guns to industry stalwarts, Brisvegas was out in force, challenging each other with creative Bailey’s cocktails.

Liquid Art is a great opportunity for bartenders to cut their teeth on competing in a professional cocktail competition, without the added stress of talking a silent audience through their creation. Entrants are asked to compete simultaneously in sets of two, while music plays in the background - the only requirement being they are able to prepare their drinks in the five minute time limit.

Bartenders from across the city mingled in the relaxed atmosphere as the competitors took full advantage of the flexible competition rules to produce creations ranging from the weird and wonderful to the sublime. Magners and Jagermeister flowed freely and the cheers and good-natured ribbing came loud and fast.

As usual, the comp brought out the big guns in the creative department, with foams, smoked ingredients and matching side dishes all proving Brisbane bartenders are truly at the cutting edge of their craft. Seventeen competitors battled it out over several hours, with the judges having a very tough job to call the best drinks on the day.

Finally the winners were announced, with Sling’s Martin Lange taking out first place with his “Planet” – a heady mix of Bailey’s, whiskey, spiced syrup and chilli coffee foam. Dan Gregory of the Bowery took out second place with a rich combination of two kinds of American Whiskey, smoked maple syrup and spiced batter with a cinnamon and nutmeg tincture and Bailey’s marshmallow going by the deceptively simple name of  “Gilbeys Hot Butter Milk”. Long time cocktail comp veteran Burak Caglar was definitely a highlight of the night, coming third with his unorthodox combination of tahini, rosewater and toasted seasame seeds “Sultan’s Treatment” coming complete with a selection of Turkish delicacies. Amazing!

Recently the standard of cocktails in the multitude of competitions running at the moment has been outstanding, showcasing the depth of talent from Brisbane’s industry leaders. This coupled with the fully booked calendar of events, competitions and get-togethers is definitely keeping Queensland’s bartenders busy. Congratulations to the winners and to Fringe Bar for continuing to offer this awesome opportunity to promote bartending talent.

Watch out for the next Liquid Art Mixology Competition until then, enjoy the photos from the March 21st event