On Monday 30 June, the National Cocktail Championship took place, organised by the Association Luxembourgeoise des Barmen (A.L.B.), to select the bartender who will represent Luxembourg at the World Championship in Cartagena. Ricardo J. Braga, from the Piano Bar at Hôtel Royal, clinched first place with his cocktail “Poll & Ira”.
Nine bartenders from across the Luxembourg bar scene (Mamacita, Specto, Scott’s, and others) competed at Vinocity by Domaines Vinsmoselle, one of the event’s sponsors. Luckily, Luxlait “also a sponsor” was on hand to refresh both participants and guests with much-needed ice cream in the summer heat.
A competition celebrating the full art of cocktail making
Clément Elie, president of the A.L.B., explained the structure of the competition:
“The nine participants have 30 minutes to answer 27 questions on bar culture, general knowledge and cocktails. Then comes a blind olfactory test, followed by two minutes to decorate their cocktail, one minute to present it, and finally, eight minutes to prepare it.”
This year’s theme, sparkling cocktail, required each contestant to use 6 cl of crémant from a selection of six offered by Domaines Vinsmoselle. The rest was left to the creativity of the competitors.
A panel of four industry professionals, including Niel Toase “president of the Luxembourg Sommelier Union” judged the entries. “I’m expecting a sophisticated, well-balanced cocktail with a lower alcohol content but greater depth of flavour. Something that reflects the evolution of what customers are looking for,” Toase explained before the competition began.
From last place to the top of the podium
Taking part for the second time, Ricardo J. Braga emerged victorious and will now head to Cartagena. In his one-minute presentation of “Poll & Ira”, he paid tribute to his friend Thierry, a farmer and mint producer, whose harvest inspired a cordial made with five varieties of mint. A cocktail also inspired by love, and elevated by the use of Poll Fabaire Rosé on Ice crémant.
When his name was announced, Ricardo was momentarily stunned.
“I was frozen on the spot!” he said. He went on to thank his colleagues.
“Thanks to the management at Hôtel Royal and my team, I was well-prepared for the written, olfactory and technical tests. This has been a real team adventure, and I’m so proud to have won today.”
The Piano Bar manager, who was there to support him, couldn’t hide his pride. “Imagine” he finished last in the competition last year! He’s worked incredibly hard, especially over the last three weeks to perfect his cordial. He really deserves this win.”
Ricardo will now fly to Colombia to represent Luxembourg on the world stage.
“I want to make my team proud, and I’m also excited to meet professionals from around the globe and discover a new country!” he said, smiling.
The full podium
Xavier Dellenbach, from the Specto bar (Foodhall G.A.N.G., Belle Étoile) and last year’s winner, finished second with his cocktail “Symbiose”, featuring rhubarb, amarena cherry syrup and an elderflower-apple vinegar. “I really love the camaraderie of this competition. I’m genuinely happy for Ricardo” he’s made amazing progress!”
Xavier will represent Luxembourg at the European Championship in Poland, taking place aboard a cruise. “It’ll be a great trip. I’m heading there full of ideas and enthusiasm!”
Third place went to Alexandre Karagiannis, bartender at Sofitel Luxembourg Europe. “I chose to keep things simple, and I think that’s what made the difference.” His cocktail will be featured on the menu at Sofitel Luxembourg Europe.
Alex Dekan from Mamacita won the best technique award and Georges Albert from the Hôtel Écluse won the best garnish award.
Aspiring mixologists can find the winning cocktail recipes (1st and 2nd) in the autumn issue of Kachen magazine, out on 3 September. Get your shakers ready!
