Brooklyn Brewery has crowned the winner of the inaugural Brooklyn Bel Air ‘Party Tartly’ Cocktail Cup.
Coming out on top on last night was Mesa Verde’s Joshua Hampshire from Melbourne, with his creation called ‘Summer Fling.’
Aligning with Brooklyn Bel Air Sour’s Australian launch, the competition challenged bartenders across NSW and VIC to create an original Bel Air Sour ale cocktail using no more than five ingredients. Throughout November, they then promoted their recipe in the venue and online.
The finale event took place at Sydney’s Slim’s Rooftop Hyde Park House, awash with flamingos and party shirts, backed by 70s inspired DJ sets and the Top Six contestants’ Bel Air cocktail creations.
Hampshire is said to have narrowly beaten fellow Victorian runner-up Julian Alphonso from Provincial, with his playful combination of Bel Air sour and mezcal.
Speaking of his inspiration for the recipe, Hampshire said: “This drink is the perfect summer sipper inspired by hot days on the patio and warm nights drinking with mates.”
As the winner of the cup, Hampshire will now head to Brooklyn in 2020 for a once in a lifetime trip, as well as receiving $4000 cash.
Hampshire said he’s enjoyed the opportunity and support from Brooklyn Brewery and his home bar of Mesa Verde. Having never been to the USA, he’s excited for the journey.
“I could not be happier to have taken out the title. I was inspired by my team to put my name in the ring for this competition and you can definitely see Mesa Verde’s Mexican roots at the heart of my drink,” he said.
“I love mezcal and pairing it with the crisp tartness of Bel Air, a little bite of smokey jalapeño and cooling watermelon – and it turns out it was a winner (not just in my eyes)!”
