The thought of showing ones talents on stage in front of a crowd can be very nerve wrecking. A lot of bartenders tend not to participate in cocktail competitions, mainly because they are not shown how it is done. There are many competitions on offer where different skills are required in both classic or flair-tending competition categories. Obviously an inexperienced competitor needs to know what is involved when faced with their first competition. From my experience, most bartenders only participate if they are pushed in to their first comp by their manager or an experienced bartender, but once they have completed their first competition, there is no stopping them!

 

Don't wait to be pushed. There is a lot you can achieve from entering these competitions, not just trophies.

Whether it be a local, national or international competition, you probably will always feel nervous. But you don't have to be imprisoned by the "fear factor"; you can use it to your advantage by investing in the adrenaline within it and enjoying that buzz.

The first comp I entered, my reaction was typical of a first timer. My former boss pushed me in to it, but she was very supportive, and gave me time off to go to work shops run by the ABG, where I met a lot of bartenders, who like myself, had never entered a competition before.

Meeting other competing bartenders prior to the competition made things a little easier. It gave me confidence and needless to say, life time friends. Ever since that first unforgettable, and may I say head rushing experience, I have competed in every cocktail competition I can get a hold on, and reaped a lot of rewards from them.

Cocktail competitions give both the bartender and the employer loads of benefits. Personally, it gives you prestige and a high profile, by being known by your peers in the industry. It also gives bartenders a chance to network and meet other skilled bartenders, employers/managers, liquor sponsors and reps. You get to invent your own cocktail, that self satisfaction that you did it your self and presented your creation to the public gives you enormous confidence and personal growth. And these events keep you up to date on what's hip and new in this great industry of ours, which you can then take back to your work place.

On top of that, if a bartender does well, there are lots of prizes to be won; like trophies, cash prizes or a trip overseas.

The Inaugural Suntory Cup, in conjunction with the ABG for example, gives you a chance to win a trip to Slovenia, all expenses paid and a thousand dollars spending money! And there are also prizes for second and third place getters. Winners from other state will be flown to Sydney to compete for the finals.

The ABG is also holding its state and national competition; both for the Long drink cocktail championships and the Flair-tending. Same deal, the state winner will be sent to Sydney, and the national winner will be flown to Bled, Slovenia to compete for the World championships.

But I think the most important benefit in cocktail competition is the learning aspect, the knowledge you can gain from your experience and from others. There are a lot of bartenders out there with priceless knowledge and skills that is yours for the taking, all you need to do is watch them, ask them for advice and listen. The camaraderie of bartenders, both in Australia and internationally is something I look forward to every time I got to these events, a lot more than the success of wining the competition itself.

Would you like to participate? Ring your local ABG and find out when the competitions are on. Get an entry form and start thinking of ideas. Also check out the web sites, like www.abg.au.com, the competition rules are normally in the site.

And finally, the fun of being in a competition is something that I'm sure everyone will enjoy. So get a group of friends together and enter one. I'll be there, and I'll see you then.

 

Loy Catada.