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Back to back wins for world class bartender
Ponsonby barman, Jason Clark, has been named the country's best in the latest cocktail competition - making it back-to-back wins for the young mixologist. Jason, who shakes things up behind the bar at Bedford Soda & Liquor Bar in Ponsonby Central, again took out title of Diageo Reserve World Class National Champion during the final round of competition on Monday night. Challenges began back in February, when five finalists were narrowed down from 40 hopefuls around New Zealand. It was Jason's charisma and skills which won the adoration of the judges, as well as his winning cocktail, an Italian-inspired gin based drink called Non Parlo Italiano. Presented on a slab of European marble and garnished with a viola flower, the cocktail takes the taster on a journey from spice to sweet then salty. Jason will head to Great Britain at the end of next month to take on the world's best bartenders. "I can't wait to get over to Great Britain for the global final where I have some unfinished business to attend to," he said. Bring it home Jason!
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Jason's winning cocktail:
50ml Tanqueray Ten Gin
40ml Raspberry Pomegranate Marsala shrub (vinegar based syrup)
25ml fresh lemon juice
20ml egg white
2x dash walnut bitters
4ml olive oil
2 basil leaves
Method
1. Using a little water, rim a stem less glass with homemade Mediterranean seasoning (truffle salt, lemon pepper, pepperoncini dried chilli). This brings a unique punch of spice to every sip.
2. Combine all the liquid ingredients plus a basil leaf in a cold shaker.
3. Shake twice with lots of ice and fine strain into the rimmed glass.
4. Garnish with 1 basil leaf, a colourful pelargonium flower and freeze dried raspberry crumbs
Serve on a marble tile accompanied with Vin Cotto raspberry balsamic glaze, foccacia bread.