The Bartenders of 2019/20
A look back at our inaugural Rising stars Competition. Meet the finalists from all across Europe that joined us in London.
Take a look and be inspired for this year’s competition
2023 Archive - A look back at our inaugural Rising Stars competition.
30 March 2023
Meet the finalists from all across Europe that joined us in London.
Simone Francini
Our champion - Simone is a native of Rome and entered the competition via his property The London Edition hotel. Simone's cocktail "Dreaming Pot" was inspired by the melting pot that is London city and all the different people Simone has met there following their dreams. Based on a classic martini the cocktail uses Beefeater Dry gin, gin & tonic syrup and manzanilla sherry. Finished with a sprig of dill, the martini is batched and served table-side ice cold.
Aleksander Nawrocki
Aleksander joined us from Poland's capital city - Warsaw. There he was working at the highest cocktail bar in Poland, 'Panorama Sky Bar' on the top floor of the Marriott Warsaw hotel. Aleks presented his cocktail "True Nature", representing the Polish wilderness and forests. Made with Jameson the cocktail blended oaky notes with berry and chocolate characteristics.
Bradley Owens
Irish native Bradley joined us from Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel, Autograph Collection. With Altos tequila at its core the cocktail was aptly named "Life Of the Party" and captured Bradley's personality alongside the energy and vibrancy of working in hospitality.
Georgios Spartalis
All the way from the Sheraton Rhodes hotel in Greece, Georgios impressed the judges with his "Rhodes Martini". Simple, classical, to withstand the test of time. Plymouth gin was complimented with home made Damascus rose cordial & mastika.
Ivelina Gerdzhikova Doncheva
Iva represented Le Méridien Beach Plaza Monaco in the French Riviera. Her cocktail, "Born To Be Olive", used Beefeater Gin alongside local products from Monaco - including olives, rocket, chickpeas and rosewater!
Joshua Black
Josh didn't have far to travel for the final - being based at The Marriott Grosvenor Square, London. His cocktail, "The Wild Geese" combined Jameson Black Barrel with some homemade apple sorbet, citrus and malic acid, topped with ginger ale.
Kieran Madden
Representing the Marriott Hotel, Leeds - Kieran showcased his skills in the final presenting "The Yorkshire Rose Fizz". A twist on the classic Ramos Gin Fizz, Kieran infused Beefeater gin with Yorkshire tea combining it with citrus stock and home made rhubarb soda.
Lori Tetard
Joining us from the Renaissance Paris La Defense hotel Lori was inspired by her travels to New Zealand to create her cocktail "Curio Bay". The cocktail also drew on Lori's other passion of cooking. With Beefeater gin as its base the cocktail delivered a burst of aroma and great flavour.
Maximilian Welzel
Maximilian presented the judges with his cocktail "The Old Horse Twist", a minimal cocktail with just a handful of ingredients using Absolut vodka at its core. He also incorporated tomato syrup and horseradish into the drink. Max did his property, the Munich Marriott Hotel proud throughout the final week.
Mihail Jora
Moldovan native Mihail made it to the final representing his property the Ritz-Carlton Abama Tenerife. Mihail's cocktail "In The Paradise" combined some creative ice work in shaping the serve alongside a great blend of Altos Blanco tequila, Ancho Reyes liqueur and fresh citrus.
Naomi Sixtus
Working for the Renaissance Hamburg Hotel, Naomi brought her creation "The Eurasian", inspired by her heritage. The serve begins with green tea infused Beefeater Gin, stirred down with spiced rum and orange liqueur. Served on the rocks and finished with a lemon twist.
Paul-Marie Cras-Hatton
French native Paul-Marie is now based in Barcelona and it was his cocktail creation from Hotel Arts Barcelona that secured him a place in the final. His cocktail "No. 7" begins with Altos Blanco tequila which has been infused with butter for a creamy mouthfeel and hazelnut flavour. This is stirred down with Suze and vibrant fresh carrott juice.
Michal Kurowski
Michal joined us in London from Poland representing Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel in Warsaw. Michal's cocktail "Warsaw Autumn" inspired by his favorite season combined Beefeater gin, quince, citrus & grapefruit bitters, finished with a splash of oloroso sherry.
Anna Ivanova
Anna is from St. Petersburg and joined us from the Marriott Courtyard Hotel. Anna formulated her cocktail to represent the north west of Russia and was named "Cloudberry Ingria". The cocktail includes (foraged) cloudberries and pine cones made into a jam. Beefeater gin was her chosen spirit.
Our 2019 event video
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