Following an outstanding final competition in London, which attracted some of the nation’s most talented and creative bartenders, Giulia Cuccurullo of the Artesian Bar at The Langham hotel has been crowned the UK finalist of the 2019 Patrón Perfectionists Cocktail Competition with her exceptional cocktail, The Bridge.
Cuccurullo will join 21 finalists hailing from 30 countries and cruise liners across the globe to represent the UK in the Global Final taking place at Hacienda Patrón, Mexico, in January 2020.
In the UK, prominent and emerging bartenders from every corner of the nation have been striving to perfect their chosen serves for a chance to compete in their regional heats. Eight finalists were selected for the national final which took place on 23rd September at the Vintry & Mercer hotel in the City of London.
Cuccurullo and her fellow finalists - Alex King, Artesian Bar; Josh Joyce, Fare Bar; Harry Cosmo Boardman, HMSS; Kieran Grieves, Cairn Hotel Group; Jack Riley, Present Company; Ryan Snedden, Lucky Liquor; Matthew Cusworth, Hoot The Redeemer - all competed in front of an esteemed panel of judges made up of top industry experts including:
o Award-winning spirits writer, Alice Lascelles
o Legendary bartender and Director of Mixology at The Connaught Bar, Ago Perrone
o European Marketing Director for Patrón Spirits International, Joanna Botwood
o Patrón Perfectionists 2018 global winner and head bartender at Dr Stravinsky, Barcelona, Yeray Monforte
Cuccurullo with her creation The Bridge, has won the judges over for embodying the ultimate Perfectionists traits: care and dedication, attention to detail, creativity and flair and an ability to showcase heritage and tell a rich story.
The Bridge is created from:
50ml Patrón Silver tequila
50ml Rhubarb Cordial
30ml Fortified Wine Blend (Martini Ambrato and Cocchi Americano)
30ml Tomato Water
1 Dash of Salt Solution
As the tequila category continues to rise and shine in the UK and globally, so does tequila cocktail culture. The Patrón Perfectionists Cocktail Competition has been a leading platform driving category growth and reappraisal through showcasing the beautiful flavour combinations tequila offers in cocktails.
Now in its fifth year, the competition has expanded to thirty countries globally to attract an increasing number of mixologists who enjoy the versatility of Patrón and harness it to push the boundaries of creativity.
Cuccurullo said, “I still can’t believe it. It is such a honour to be selected as the winner of the Patrón Perfectionists Cocktail Competition UK final among such talented participants. Sharing the journey with them has been incredible and I have enjoyed every single moment of it.
'The whole experience has been complemented by some great learning about the category and Patrón, about what they do and how they do it differently. I can’t wait to visit Hacienda Patrón and see all of the things that I have been learning about it throughout the competition.
'My aim coming into this competition was to do my best by channelling all of my passion, background story and knowledge into my drink and I feel like the judges have valued this. My cocktail represents a bridge between my past, present and future, all coming harmoniously together in a beautiful Patrón serve.
'The tomato and vermouth are quintessentially Italian ingredients, so they reflect my roots, while the lovely acid touch of the rhubarb represents my current home, London. Finally, the core ingredient, Patrón Silver, shines as a nod to my future perspectives, to my journey to the Hacienda.”
Talking about the UK final, Matthew Sykes, Senior Director of International Marketing at Patrón Spirits International, said, “Every year we are amazed to see the increasing number of participants but what strikes us the most is the growing passion, dedication and work that goes into the entries.
'This year marks a milestone in the Patrón Perfectionists Cocktail Competition with its fifth anniversary, so we couldn’t be more pleased with the showcase of creativity and talent demonstrated at the UK final.
'Congratulations to Giulia and to all the amazing bartenders who competed. Your contribution to the category and to our brand is invaluable and we are delighted to have such passionate advocates among the bartending community.
'Good luck to Giulia for the Global Final at Hacienda Patrón, I have no doubt that she will do the UK proud in Mexico with a stellar performance.”