I’ve been to a fair few cocktail competitions in my time. They usually consist of a brand, a group of incredibly talented bartenders and some pretty impressive drinks. Those clever peeps at Kosmonaut in the Northern Quarter have taken the idea and turned it on it’s head with Shake, Battle, Soul.
Two local businesses ‘face off’ with a ‘shake off’! Supported by two of Kosmonaut’s finest – Kay and Nate, the winning business on the night get a free round of cocktails every Thursday until their crown is toppled by the next winning business. If that isn’t enough there is nibbles and drink samples for the screaming crowds and a soundtrack supplied by Will Tramp.
I was lucky enough to be asked to judge the first showdown between Carhartt and Maclure Barbers a few weeks ago. Three contestants made three cocktails – Make Love Not War, Watermelon Margaritas and Camping In Collyhurst. Let me tell you, Kosmonaut did not go easy on these guys, these are pretty tricky drinks to make and on the last, they were also against the clock! Armed with Strictly-style score cards we rated the taste of the drinks, having already sampled one made by the professionals, out of 10 before an overall winner was announced.
It was a tough battle and, going into the last drink, the scores were tied. Some call is sabotage, some call it Nate’s incredible ways with a stirred drink, whatever you call it Maclure Barbers were hailed as the champions and will enjoy a round of cocktails every week until someone else steals their crown.
Do you think you’ve got what it takes to shake up a mean cocktail in front of hundreds (well ok not that many but it is still pretty daunting behind that bar I promise you) of adoring fans? You can enter a team or just keep your eyes peeled for the next event. Pick a side, support their competitors and, most importantly, have fun at the new regular social in the city. I’ll see you at the bar.
Photos supplied by Kosmonaut.
No Comments