Bartenders are being challenged to create a new cocktail using Southern Comfort, with a trip to New Orleans on offer to six regional winners.
The Southern Showdown competition is looking for unique new recipes that capture the spirit of the city of New Orleans, where the classic whiskey-based liqueur has its roots.
Distributor Hi-Spirits is inviting bars from across the UK to submit entries online, with the best entrants invited to make their cocktail for judges at the six regional Showdowns.
All bars stocking Southern Comfort are invited to enter. Cocktail recipes should contain at least 50ml of Southern Comfort and embody New Orleans in any way the entrant chooses.
With food and drink at the heart of Southern hospitality, entrants will also be asked which dish would go best with their creation.
Regional finalists will also be able to gain bonus points in the run-up to their Showdown by promoting and serving the cocktail in their venues as well as spotlighting it on social media.
Entrants have until September 16 to upload their recipe and an image at www.hi-spirits.com/southernshowdown, where full terms and conditions for the competition are also available.
The regional finals will take place between October 3 and 12, with the grand final in New Orleans from October 27 to 31.
Dan Bolton, managing director of Hi-Spirits, said: “New Orleans has one of the world’s greatest cocktail cultures, and the opportunity to compete in the grand final in the heart of the deep south will inspire UK bartenders to high levels of creativity.
“Southern Comfort is a wonderfully versatile and mixable spirit, so we’re expecting to see some real ingenuity and flair from entrants.
“The opportunity to be crowned champion in the home of Southern Comfort is a great incentive, and we’re expecting a hard-fought contest.”
