The Okanagan’s top bartenders gathered together Thursday to compete at the 7th Annual Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery Mixoff. Showcasing and presenting their creations to not only the judges but also the over 250 people who attended the event, each of their cocktails was required to include two Okanagan Spirit ingredients and a local wine/beer/cider. Many of the bartenders have spent months creating extracts and infusing spirits to include in their drinks.
Guests were also treated to delicious and creative appetizers such as Summerhill Winery’s creation, Plant Base Tuna Ceviche Everyone was greeted at the historic Laurel Building, to the smells of delicious food, and the sound of live jazz music.
The official judges sampled earlier in the evening, taking into consideration the name, presentation, taste, and originality. This year’s judges were Dave Simpson – Simp’s Syrups, Stephen Brown – Kelowna Scotch and Fine Spirits, Shereen Abbas, and special celebrity judge Shawn Soole – Soole Hospitality Concepts.
The public was then able to sample the cocktails, the food, watch the creative presentations and choose their favourites. While the competition was tight, by the end of the evening, winners were chosen in the Judge’s Choice Drink, People’s Choice Drink, and People’s Choice Best Bite Food category.
The Judges Choice Cocktail was awarded to Kyle Friesen from Waterfront Cafe with his cocktail ‘Spiked Chai”. The votes then were tallied for the People’s Choice awards, where Kyle Friesen from Waterfront Cafe was once again announced the winner in the Peoples Choice Drink! Rod Butters from Raudz Regional Concepts went on to win People’s Choice Best Bite with their delicious ‘Turkey Bacon Wrapped Root Vegetable Torte’
“The creativity and originality the competitors showed was amazing. These bartenders continue to raise the bar every year!”, said Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery owner Tyler Dyck. “It’s so great to see the bartenders working as a team with their Chef’s to pair the drinks with amazing food!”