Overview: The 154th Open Championship is approaching, and with it comes an exciting competition among bartenders from across the UK and Europe. Ben Lomond Scottish Gin has unveiled its ‘Official Serve of the Open’ winner, a creative cocktail that not only showcases the spirit’s qualities but also pays homage to Royal Birkdale Golf Club.
The Full Story
Ben Lomond Scottish Gin, in partnership with TheOpen, launched an innovative competition that challenged bartenders to craft their own signature cocktails inspired by this year’s championship at Royal Birkdale. After a series of qualifying rounds and rigorous judging, Glasgow bartender Branford Edgar was crowned the winner for his refreshing Solstice Sling cocktail.
Branford’s winning creation combines caramelized honeydew and basil cordial with fresh lime juice, sugar syrup, ginger beer, and garnished with a basil leaf. His drink not only reflects the bright coastal atmosphere of Royal Birkdale but also captures Ben Lomond Gin’s adventurous spirit. The Solstice Sling is an ode to summer morning golf at this esteemed venue.
Andy Jack, Group Marketing Director at Loch Lomond Group, praised Branford’s winning entry for its balance of flavor, storytelling, and seasonality – qualities that perfectly encapsulate the essence of Royal Birkdale Golf Club. ‘Serve of The Open continues to showcase the incredible creativity within our bartending community,’ he added.
Production & Profile
Branford Edgar’s Solstice Sling recipe is as follows: 40ml Ben Lomond Gin, 30ml Caramelized Honeydew and Basil Cordial, 15ml Lime Juice, 5ml Sugar Syrup. The cocktail will be available for fans to enjoy throughout The Open at various locations including the Ben Lomond Gin Garden.
Brand & Industry History
Ben Lomond Scottish Gin is a relatively new entrant into the gin world but has quickly established itself as an adventurous and high-quality spirit. Founded by Loch Lomond Group, this innovative brand aims to capture the essence of Scotland’s stunning landscapes through its distinctive flavors.
What This Means
The announcement of Branford Edgar’s winning cocktail marks a significant milestone in The Open’s partnership with Ben Lomond Scottish Gin. It highlights the growing importance of spirits and mixology within golf events, providing an immersive experience that extends beyond the game itself.
Consumer Takeaway
This year’s competition showcases not only exceptional bartending skills but also a deeper connection between spirits, food, and culture – all elements integral to The Open’s rich heritage. As fans enjoy Branford Edgar’s Solstice Sling throughout the event, they will be experiencing more than just an exquisite cocktail; they will be immersing themselves in the spirit of adventure embodied by Ben Lomond Scottish Gin.
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