The Tanduay Asian Rum Cocktail Shake-off Competition took place on March 3, 2014 at Home Restaurant in Branford. A group of statewide bartenders was selected to compete. Four judges chose the best cocktail based on presentation, creativity, taste and knowledge. There was also a “people’s choice” award, for which the crowd sampled each cocktail creation in order to submit their vote. Winner of the best cocktail was The Cask Republic’s Norman Macdonald and Alexandra Turnbull with their “Tanduay Blueberry Mint Mojito.” Bartenders from Wood-n-Tap, Quench, Post 154, The Chelsea, Forbidden City, Oak Haven Table and Grille, The Cask Republic, Max Fish and Home Restaurant competed.

Tanduay Asian Rum cocktail contest competitors.

Competitors from the Wood-n-Tap. Bartender Matt Cusson in red.

Judges Rowena White, Sales Manager, Special Events, Connoisseur Media; Carl Carrion, Culinary Director of the Skal Restaurant Group; Adam Zengou, Bartender at Brennan’s Shebeen and Bartender of the Year in 2012 for Fairfield County by Advocate poll; David Brogan, Master Mixologist, TV Personality and owner of “Signature David.”