Lillet launches cocktail comp

French aperitif brand Lillet is looking for entries for its Twisted Vesper Cocktail Competition. 

The competition is inspired by Ian Flemming’s book, Casino Royal and the Vesper cocktail. UK regional heats take place during September and October and the final is to take place in Paris this November.

The heats will take place in Edinburgh, Manchester and London from September. Nine bartenders will be invited to compete in each regional heat.

Scottish heat: September 22 (Edinburgh)

Midlands heat: September 26 (Manchester)

London and the South East: October 3 (London)

All heats will run from 11 am – 4pm

The final will also feature ‘top’ bartenders from Germany and France and it is rumoured the competition may reach the US in 2012. 

Judges are looking for “an innovative, contemporary and stylish variation of the classic Vesper Martini cocktail”. Last year, Alex Kratena of the Artesian bar at the Langham Hotel, London narrowly won with his ‘From Russia With Love’ entry against Alessandro Palazzi, Duke’s Hotel and Dan Warner, global brand ambassador for Beefeater Gin.

Bartenders must visit the Lillet Twisted Vesper Cocktail Competition Facebook page to view the rules and entry details.

UK bartenders should email to twistedvesper@domino-communications.com to enter. The deadline is August 30.