Mixologist Luis Hernandez (center, with award) of Seamstress last night was named the regional winner of New York’s 11th Annual Most Imaginative Bartender Competition presented by Bombay Sapphire Gin.
Hernandez beat out bartenders from New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey during the competition at VNYL in Manhattan.
After deliberation, a panel of judges named Hernandez and his “Misdirection” cocktail as the evening’s “Most Imaginative” based on appearance, aroma, imagination, and taste.
This summer, Hernandez and 11 other bartenders from across North America will head to England – the home of Bombay Sapphire and its Laverstoke Distillery – to vie for the 2017 North American title.
In advance of the finale, all 12 finalists will head to New Orleans in July for the annual trade festival, Tales of the Cocktail, where the competitors will meet for the first time and have the opportunity to participate in a number seminars led by industry leaders.
Misdirection
2 oz. Bombay Sapphire gin
0.75 oz. Celery syrup
0.75 oz. Lemon juice
2 dashes Seed tincture
40 g. crushed ice top with celery foam
Spritz of seed tincture to garnish