A team from The Absent Ear in Glasgow are taking home the crown, after winning a bartender competition in Barcelona.
Zach Sapato and Libby Smith teamed up to take part in the competition, which saw over 50 teams facing off at a winery near Barcelona.
In March, an online call for bartenders in the UK asked teams to create a delicious drink using El Bandarra Al Fresco - a refreshing aperitivo made with Spanish wines and Mediterranean botanicals. Created by twin brothers, the drink inspired the contest which focused on teamwork, spirit and fun.
READ MORE - Inside hidden Glasgow bar The Absent Ear and the cocktails that earned drink den Top 50 UK spot
The duo from The Absent Ear created a cocktail named Stems Up, combining El Bandarra with Giffard Menthe Pastille, lime juice and cucumber syrup.
They made it to the final three, who gathered in Barcelona on September 17 at the Bandarra family winery. The finalists presented their creations at Festa Major (the Bandarra brothers annual party) which saw 120 guests sample the drinks.
A panel of judges, along with an audience vote, helped solidify the winners.
Brand ambassador Alexa Farrow said: “It was wonderful to see the bartenders really embrace our El Bandarra energy and entertain the crowd with such creativity.
“No other cocktail competition would give you animal masked bartenders, Bhangra dance-offs, a water blessing by cloaked biblical characters or a pepperami parasol garnish. The teams smashed it and we look forward to hosting the Bar to Barcelona competition again next year.”
Inspired by late artist Vincent Van Gogh, Glasgow’s Absent Ear cocktail bar is a speakeasy-style venue offering a strong menu and fun vibes. Described as 'a hedonistic haven from your wildest dreams', much of The Absent Ear remains shrouded in mystery - you won't even be told where it is until you confirm your booking.
You can find out more about The Absent Ear here.
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