Event Recap: Made With Love

Made With Love, a national mixology competition, hit the city recently at the Art Gallery of Calgary, where some of the city’s top bartenders went head-to-head in creating an original cocktail for guests to sample, savour and vote on. 

The room was filled with Calgary young professionals as well as many of the leaders in the food and beverage industry. Guests mingled throughout the multi-level venue, sampling the delicious creations and nibbling on bite-sized treats catered by National Beer Hall. 

The 12 bartenders were competing for two top spots, each of which would award them with an all-expenses-paid, three-day trip to Montreal, where they will showcase their talent and an all-new drink at MadeWithLoveTM Montreal edition to be held in December 2012. 

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Though all the drinks were spectacular, there were two that stood out. The Public’s Choice favourite went to Franz Swinton, with Cube, for his drink ‘Making Love (Out of Nothing At All)’. A mixture of Hendrick’s gin, clarified cucumber water and Charles Fere Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs, it was simple and refreshing.

The Judge’s Choice winner was Nathan Head from Milk Tiger. His drink, A Bit of Northern Hospitality, was original and full of flavour. A blend of Canadian Club whisky, Averna Amaro, black tea syrup, fresh lemon juice, orange bitters, and earl grey tea infused beer made it look dark and mysterious, yet it was delightfully refreshing. 

All in all it was a great way to spend a Monday night, and a great opportunity for Calgary YPs to meet some of those individuals who consistently create those go-to cocktails you crave from Thursday after work and throughout the weekend.

Click here to see the full gallery.