Although our ROOTS are in Greece, we like to see how our friends abroad perceive their own Roots. This is why last year we held our annual cocktail competition in Italy with a similar concept (see what happened last year here), and this year it was time for UK and London!
It was a simple, yet tough competition, as most finalists confirmed. The philosophy of Roots brings us back to the four basic elements of nature, where everything is elemental, natural and true. This was also the logic of back to the Roots UK competition:
Truly great drinks are easy to make, you just need the elements, the unique ingredients and a story to tell. With a maximum of 4 ingredients and no homemade infusions or hard to find materials, it is not easy to find the perfect balance, therefore you need a good idea, amazing products & an interesting yet balanced flavour. We were hosted by Cahoots bar in London, having alongside two bar legends as judges, Ben Reed and Simone Caporale, and some greek snacks waiting for us at the Life Goddess for our break, just on the top floor of the same building. A great Monday was starting!
The big winner, coming to Greece & The Athens Bar Show in November:
Sergio Leanza, NINE LIVES BAR
- Roots Mastiha
- Sweet Vermouth
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Lager Beer
2nd. place Marco Misao Di Gregorio, Wringer + Mangle London Fields
- Roots Mastiha
- Italicus Rosolio
- Gin Mare
- Lemon Juice
3d. place Giannis Sitanos, The Savoy London, American Bar
- Roots Mastiha
- Sherry
- Barolo Chinato
- Tonic
A big thank you to our judges Simone Caporale & Ben Reed, maestro Gabriele Manfredi, the amazing Spirit Cartel team, Michele Venturini & the Cahoots London Team and of course Nikos Nyfoudis and The Life Goddess Kingly Court for the great (greek) treats!
See you at the Athens Bar Show
BUT WAIT, let’s see what happenned step by step!
