Richard Tring from The Milk Thistle has been crowned UK’s Best Bartender at this year’s Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge.
After 3 months, 300 cocktails, 500 miles and 6 heats stretching the length of the UK, 500 bartender hopefuls were whittled down to the final 8.
The first day of the challenge consisted of a written exam, blind tasting and individual presentation with only 4 bartenders making it through to round 2. The second day invited the public to judge each bartender’s individually dressed pop-up bars and bespoke cocktail menus whilst also assessing their skills and ability to interact with the customer.
Richard’s winning cocktail on the night was The Bristol Connection:
Ingredients:
50ml Appleton Estate V/X
15ml Amer picon
10ml Cider syrup
2 dash Orange bitters
Method:
Stir, serve in a coupette glass with a Grapefruit garnish
Richard will go onto represent the UK in the Global final of the Appleton Estate Bartender in Jamaica this October.
If you want to check out Rich’s creations for yourself (and congratulate him, obviously!), head down to The Milk Thistle on Colston Avenue at some point in the near future…