We are delighted to introduce the inaugural “Good, Clean Fun – The Espresso Martini Contest,” proudly sponsored by Absolut and Kahlúa. This thrilling event features a national Espresso Martini speed-based skills competition, challenging participants to make four Espresso Martinis as clean and fast as they can.
Local competitions, taking place from January through February 2024, invite bartenders from across the nation to participate. To find a competition near you, visit EspressoMartiniCompetition.com. Participation is determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
In each local event, participants will compete to craft four Dry Espresso Martinis in as little time as possible. The Dry Espresso Martinis must consist of:
- 2 oz Absolut Vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
- 1 oz espresso
- 3 espresso beans
Docked time for each stain and spill based on size, the competitor who comes out as the fastest and cleanest will be the winner of each local event. Once the local East and West competitions have concluded, the bartenders with the fastest times from each event will be invited to compete at their regional championship. The East and West Regional Championships will take place in March, where participants will compete against the clock to be a top finalist.
The top three (3) fastest finalists from the East and West Regional Championships will earn an exclusive trip to Absolut Akademi in Sweden, delving into everything Absolut through thoughtfully crafted training programs. The fourth fastest finalists from the East and West Regional Championships will receive a Bar 5-Day Scholarship, offering an immersive learning experience to further hone their craft.
Contest Highlights:
- Fast-paced Competition: Participants compete to craft 4 Dry Espresso Martinis in record time.
- Exclusive Prizes: Top three (3) finalists from the East and West Regional Championships win a trip to Absolut Akademi in Sweden (6 finalists total), and the fourth fastest finalists receive a Bar 5-Day Scholarship (2 finalists total).
- Judging Criteria: Designed to reward precision and speed. Time penalties for spillage on the bartender or designated bartop area.
Join us in celebrating the Espresso Martini and the bartenders who pride themselves on quickly shaking them up at Good, Clean Fun – The Espresso Martini Contest. Follow the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into this exciting new competition.
ABOUT TALES OF THE COCKTAIL
Founded in 2002, Tales of the Cocktail® has grown from a small gathering of cocktail lovers into the world’s premier cocktail festival. Each year the international spirits industry is welcomed to New Orleans for a week of seminars, tastings, networking events, and much more. With 300+ annual events developed specifically for bartenders, distillers, and other spirits professionals, Tales of the Cocktail® is the industry’s annual meeting place for the exchange of new ideas, products, and techniques.
ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
ABSOLUT. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. ©2023 IMPORTED BY ABSOLUT SPIRITS CO., NEW YORK, NY.
ABOUT KAHLÚA
Originating from Mexico in 1936 and made with 100 percent Arabica coffee beans, Kahlúa remains the world’s leading coffee liqueur. Its global popularity was inspired by the famous Kahlúa Ladies, the game-changing women-only management team that began to spread the word of this rich-tasting drink to the US and beyond in the 1960s. Every bean of coffee used to make Kahlúa is grown in shade plantations of four remote farming communities in the Mexican coastal region of Veracruz and handpicked. It’s a relationship the brand has nurtured and continues to do so. We work closely with farmers to help them adopt more sustainable farming methods and improve their living conditions. Today, the 300 tons of premium-grade green coffee used every year for Kahlúa is sourced following our partner Fondo Para la Paz’s three-pronged approach to sustainable development.
ABOUT PERNOD RICARD USA
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world’s second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo and Brancott Estate; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne and Mumm Napa sparkling wines.
Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As “creators of conviviality,” we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information, visit: www.pernod-ricard-usa.com.
For Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Media Inquiries:
Foxglove Communications
Andrea Jackson Ott, [email protected]
Samantha Walla, [email protected]
