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Mandarine Napoléon Cocktail Challenge
We launched this competition in February 2024 to find the best new cocktails that harness the vibrant flavours of Mandarine Napoléon Liqueur, which is a rich blend of Mediterranean mandarines, infused with cognac and given extra complexity by a blend of botanicals including clove, nutmeg cinnamon, angelica, green and black tea.
Many thanks to all 278 bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts who entered cocktails in this fun competition. The team at De Kuyper, who make Mandarine Napoleon, and I enjoyed looking through the recipes and making those we liked the most.
This competition changed my perceptions of what ingredients Mandarine Napoleon mixes harmoniously with, particularly sherry and ginger. Indeed, the number of recipes calling for ginger liqueur or syrup was striking.
As with most competitions, it's challenging to decide on the winners, so I was happy to rely on my friends at De Kuyper. They have found four worthy winners and will reward them with a cash prize and a very special present.
Winners
Winning professional bartender:
Ryan Perry, Tipsy Sloth, Houston, Texas, USA
with Forelska
Winning cocktail enthusiast:
Cesar Pailhes
with Sunrise Around the World
Runner-up professional bartender:
Mathis Mouton, The Big Easy, Lyon, France.
with Manda's Kiss
Runner-up cocktail enthusiast:
Claire Renaud
with Elba 1814
