Annual Absolut Espresso Martini Competition Series Kicks Off

Pernod Ricard and the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, in collaboration with Connecticut Distributors, Inc., hosted the first of two Connecticut events as part of the national Absolut Espresso Martini Competition at Elicit Brewing Co. in Manchester on Feb. 3. Local bartenders turned out to craft four Absolut Espresso Martinis in the fastest amount of time for judges using Absolut Vodka and Kahlúa. The judging panel rated each competitor’s cocktail based on criteria including the straw test, spillage, foam, number of espresso beans and more. The winners were first place: Jordyn Carey, TJ’s Burritos; second place: Alexis Sheilds, The Lady; and third place: Jon Torres, Market Grille. Sponsored by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, the Absolut Espresso Martini Competition is a national contest, with local events in markets across the U.S. taking place throughout February.

: Pernod Ricard and the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, in collaboration with Connecticut Distributors, Inc., hosted a Connecticut-based Absolut Espresso Martini Competition at Elicit Brewing Co. in Manchester on Feb. 3.

: Competitors made four Absolut Espresso Martinis in the fastest amount of time for judges using Absolut Vodka and Kahlúa as their base spirits.

: Deon Ross, General Manager, Olives and Oil and Event Emcee; John Petropoulos, Customer Development Manager, Pernod Ricard; and Michael Knudsen, Beverage Director, Hartford Restaurant Group.

: Competitors with Deon Ross, General Manager, Olives and Oil and Event Emcee at the Absolut Espresso Martini Competition at Elicit Brewing Co. on Feb. 3.