Mix Your Way to Cocktail Heaven

The Bols Around Cocktail Competition is one of the cocktail competitions we look forward to most each year, and we’re thrilled to announce the 2010 competition is open for entries. This year’s theme is “Mix Your Way to Cocktail Heaven”—in other words, who can create the most divine cocktail using Bols liqueurs.

Show off your cocktail creativity, and you might just be among the 2 North American finalists who will win a three-day trip to Amsterdam to compete in a live competition in February 2011 with 6 other bartenders from around the world. The grand-prize winner of the live competition will receive 2,500 Euros (about $3480 US), the 2nd-place winner will receive 750 Euros (about $1045 US) and the 3rd-place winner will receive 500 Euros (about $696 US).

All North American entries will be judged by award-winning bartender John Lermayer. A global panel of judges will then choose the 1st 2nd and 3rd-place winners at the live competition in Amsterdam in February. Cocktails will be judged on originality, use of product, taste, presentation, balance, aroma, technique and visual appeal.

The deadline for entries is October 31, 2010. You must be a working bartender to qualify for entry, and cocktails must contain at least 3/4 ounce of any Bols liqueur. For a full overview of rules and prizes, and to submit your winning recipe, visit bolsaroundtheworld.com.

We can’t wait to see the entries for this competition—last year’s submissions were incredibly creative and diverse. Be sure to get your recipe in by October 31 for your chance to win, and best of luck!

And for a little inspiration, check out this video of Gary Regan at the Bols Academy talking about the art of cocktail-making and bartending, and this one of Rob Rademaker inviting you to join this year’s competition.