NEW ORLEANS- Today, it was announced that Willy Estrada (KOMODO- Miami) is this year’s winner of the Tales of the Cocktail official cocktail competition. With his drink, the Spiced Nashi, Estrada stood out of the crowd and pleased judges with his creative libation.
“ ’Twas a pleasure to judge such amazing variances of the drink I’m so proud of and become synonymous with,” says Chris Hannah, Head Bartender at The French 75 Bar. “As the proverb goes, ‘when life gives you lemons (or in the winner’s case, limes), you make French 75s.”
“There were so many great recipes submitted this year, but the Spiced Nashi stood out because of its unique integration of flavors,” says Chris Patino, Partner at Simple Serve/Director of Spirits at Raised by Wolves.
Estrada drew his inspiration from Asian culture and wanted to give his cocktail a little Asian twist. Served in a champagne flute, he included the following ingredients:
1 oz Fords Gin
0.75 oz Matcha Tea Syrup
0.75 oz Lime Juice
0.75 oz St George Spiced Pear Liqueur
3 kaffir lime leaves (2 for muddling & 1 for garnish)
G H Mumm Champagne brut (top cocktail)
In a shaker, muddle 2 kaffir lime leaves. Then add Fords Gin, Matcha Tea Syrup (4 bar spoons matcha tea, 7 oz. boiling water, 5 oz. sugar), lime juice and St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur. Add Ice and shake well. Strain mixed cocktail in champagne flute and top with G.H. Mumm Champagne Brut.
Garnish: On top of cocktail place 1 kaffir lime leaf (slap before placing for aromatics and oils)
Estrada says, “it’s just unbelievable to have the honor to have my cocktail named official cocktail of Tales of the Cocktail 2018. I love crafting cocktails and getting creative as well as having the opportunity to showcase my passion for mixology. I enjoy playing with different flavors normally not used in mixology and create something that plays with the tasters senses and takes them in a journey full of flavors and aromas that can create something magical.”
Simon Ford, founder of Ford’s Gin, released the following statement:
“Tales of the Cocktail is a platform for promoting the craft of the bartender and has been recognizing old and new bartending talent alike for many years. It is great to see yet another great bartender and their cocktail given the opportunity of this platform. Willy Estrada has created a delicious and flavorful cocktail and I am grateful for his decision to use Fords Gin as a key ingredient. Fords was created as a cocktail gin and Willy has demonstrated that beautifully in his recipe. I look forward to toasting and drinking his ‘Spiced Nashi’ cocktail this July with everyone in New Orleans.”
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