aka where the heat is really on

We’re having palpitations just writing this so God alone knows how the bartenders are coping… We’re with Group  1for this session and trust us when we say the intensity level has been turned up big style.

In this round the competitors have to create three cocktails – a Zacapa Old Cuban; Bulleit Rye 50:50 Sazerac and a Johnnie Walker Gold Morning Glory Fizz in three minutes. While they’re being filmed. Nothing new about speed rounds in bar tending competitions but check this, the given specs have to be followed to a ‘T’. To make sure of it, they’re being tested with a brand new piece of technology to measure their accuracy. Very clever. And very, very nervewracking – you can see and feel the pressure.

It’s not helped by the fact that no one is allowed to use their own equipment. Or the pressure of knowing that they only have three minutes. That’s only 180 seconds to make three absolutely perfect drinks.

Each bartender has been presented with a box of all the ingredients needed to make the three drinks and on the bar all of the equipment has been laid out – they just have to keep calm and remember the specs…    Blimey