The Competition Shaken, Not Stirred: ABSOLUT Vodka Mixology Challenge Enters Third Heat

On November 19, the third heat of ABSOLUT Vodka’s Mixology Challenge will take place at Galileo Lounge in Westlands. From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., fans and competitors will enjoy a creative and competitive environment all in the name of ABSOLUT Vodka.

Vodka bottles, syrups, and lemon slices are juggled as Nairobi’s top mixologists compete to conjure Absolut Vodka’s new flavor. King’ Kline Ojal from Aqueous Bar emerged as the winner during the second round of the competition, on November 5 at Sierra Brasserie, with his mango cocktail.

The first “heat” of the competition took place on October 22 at the Sarabi Pool & Supper Club, where Robert Nyagah from Fairmont the Norfolk won with his spicy drink from ABSOLUT Peppar. After the second round, Nyagah noticed the bar raised higher and is preparing for the Grand Finale.

A new twist to the ladies’ old favorite, Kiki from Sierra Brasserie took second place with her ABSOLUT Cosmo while Joseph Mwawaka from Brew Bistro was inspired by coffee with his third place winning cocktail, Hazel ABstar.

Home to last year’s winner, Yvonne Wairimu, the final competition will take place at the Mercury Lounge, Westlands on December 10.

Winners from each heat will all compete for the grand prize of KES 100,000 and a fully paid trip to learn from the masters at the ABSOLUT Vodka headquarters in Sweden. The runner up and third place winners will receive KES 50,000 and KES 25,000 respectively for competing in the second annual Mixology Competition.

Absolut Vodka is the third largest brand in the world, and the creator of the Mixology competition Brian Owango said “Our desire is for the talented set to respect the old, embrace the new and put Kenya on the discerning drinkers map.”

Coupled with the Jameson live party this past weekend and the Kenya Breweries Limited (../../KBL.jpg) announcing the “Love Whiskey Festival,” some claim international companies are recognizing Nairobi’s vibrant nightlife, and have chosen Kenya to test its product lines.

Seeking to raise the standards of the cocktail industry, choosing Nairobi for the vodka company’s competition is telling. Marketing Manager of Pernod Ricard, Wanjiru Njenga, said “ABSOLUT Vodka is associated in the world over with artistry in mixology as well as being an innovator in the cocktail industry.”

From mango to coffee flavored cocktails, ABSOLUT could not have picked a better city for finding its next signature flavor.

By Colin Smith.