Pina Colada Comp @ Tales

Tales of the Cocktail is set to host the US Bartenders Guild-BACARDI Pina Colada Competition next month in New Orleans.  Here’s the scoop.

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If you like Pina Coladas, you’re going to dig this.  The United States Bartenders Guild, BACARDI Rum and In the Mix Magazine are organizing a drinks competition to be held next month at Tales of the Cocktail to see which mixologist can whip up the best Piña Colada.

From humble beginnings at a hotel bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1954, the Piña Colada has become the flavor of the islands whether you’re on one or just wish you were. Now, this storied drink will be turned over to the world’s best bartenders at the USBG BACARDI Piña Colada Cocktail Competition. They’ll take to their bar tools to shake up new takes on this classic cocktail with one thing remaining the same – BACARDI – the rum this legendary cocktail was originally created with. The prize: title as champion of the Piña Colada and a spot at the World Cocktail Competition in Warsaw, Poland, compliments of USBG.

“The Piña Colada, as we know it, is about to get a makeover. Given the depth of talent in the Competition this year, I am certain we will be both entertained and amazed at the submissions,” said Paul G. Tuennerman, co-founder, Tales of the Cocktail.

The USBG BACARDI Piña Colada Competition at Tales of the Cocktail will be held in New Orleans on Friday, July 22 starting at 7:30 p.m. This year’s cocktail competition will have USBG chapter members from across the country shaking their way to victory as 18 chapter members compete against each other with their original Piña Coladas.

A preliminary group of judges, consisting of members from USBG National and Tales of the Cocktail, have voted on the best qualifying round recipes for each chapter.  One representative from each chapter will be flown to New Orleans, courtesy of USBG, to compete in the final competition.

In New Orleans, the 18 participating USBG chapter winners will compete at the USBG BACARDI Piña Colada Competition.  Each competitor will be evaluated on appearance, aroma, taste, creativity and the overall appeal of their cocktail.  An esteemed group of judges will select the overall competition winner and all cocktail enthusiasts attending the main event will have the chance to cast their ballot for the “People’s Choice” winner.

Both champions will be announced and awarded on Friday, July 22, 2011. Each champion will receive a one-of-a-kind trophy, and the judge’s choice champion will receive a check for $1,500.00 and earn a spot at the World Cocktail Competition in Warsaw, Poland, compliments of USBG.

For more information on Tales of the Cocktail 2011 and tickets, visit www.TalesoftheCocktail.com.