Pioneering independent drinks brand, Franklin & Sons, has crowned the winner of its first-ever, national cocktail competition, ‘Flavour in Motion’.
Launched in May, the competition invited bartenders from across the country to reimagine their debut cocktail from when they first entered the industry. Competitors were judged on their reimagination, storytelling, and the consumer appeal of their cocktails.
Elyse Von Ruinn, a bartender at Charlie Brown’s in Glasgow, has been announced as the winner and is the recipient of the £3,000 prize, equivalent to six months' rent. Their award-winning cocktail, the ‘Flip & Sip’, is named to reflect the motion required to enhance its flavour and enjoyment. The cocktail combines 75ml of Franklin & Sons Pineapple & Almond Soda, 30ml of Port of Leith Martha’s White Port, 20ml of Clarified Blue VK Cordial, and 7.5ml of Olive Extra Blue VK reduction; elegantly served in an isomalt bowl.
The competition runners-up were Mike Bower from Burnt Milk Hotel in Liverpool and Ashley Haines from the Bournemouth-based bar, Ojo Rojo. Despite just missing out on the top spot, the pair received £250 and £150 respectively.
Elyse (they/them) commented on their proud win: “Winning the flavour in motion comp by presenting a drink that so profoundly represented my bartending journey, was a very special moment for me. Even more so because I was alongside nice outrageously talented & interesting bartenders. This competition let us delve into each other's roots & ultimately led to a very affirming & relationship building day together at Dram.”
“My entry the 'Flip & Sip', an approachable yet exciting cocktail lead with flavour & nostalgia, did exactly what I wanted it to - brought a bit of damn joy to all who tried it!”
“This prize has also come at an epic time for me & will now afford me to make a start on my own project, that means so much to me.”
Franklin & Sons’ Senior Brand Manager, James Stimson, commented: “It’s been fantastic, from the entry response to witnessing the level of talent we have in the industry. As a brand, we wanted to give back to the individuals who are the heart and soul of hospitality, and we hope that Elyse can explore their passions and interests, with the help of the prize.
“Elyse’s choice of cocktail poked fun at current trends whilst also celebrating them and using our Pineapple & Almond soda in such an unexpected way took the judges completely by surprise. The cocktail without the little isomalt bowl of olive VK reduction was fantastic, but when that final little extra blue surprise was poured it lifted the drink into another stratosphere. It culminated in a truly inspired version of Elyse’s first every cocktail, the ‘Cheeky Vimto’.”
To find out more about the Flavour in Motion competition, click here: https://franklinandsons.co.uk/flavour-in-motion/