A ‘Cointeauversial’ cocktail competition

I have witnessed so many competitions in my over 20 years of sports coverage, but this one was definitely different!

Cointreau, the French orange spirit brand established in France over 165 years ago, held a cocktail competition a few weeks ago, which was topped by Christian Earl David S. Asiddao of Longbar, Raffles Hotel. The Most Iconic Cocktail award went to Cristopher R. Bayon of Black Sheep while the Most Cointreauversial Cocktail was awarded to Ryan O. Rodriguez of VU’s Skybar & Lounge, Marco Polo, Ortigas.

Shangri-La at the Fort’s GM John Rice and Makati Shangri-La’s Lesley Tan with Lolita Ching

The event brought together Manila’s most visionary mixologists who included Aldrin Ivan P. Ancheta of The Curator Nightlife Café & Lounge, Lovi A. Ting-le of Speakeasy Tapas Bar & Resto Café , Mark Anthony B. Marquez of Vask Tapas & Gastronomic Cuisine, Christopher Jorge B. Olayvar of Finders Keepers, Jerry P. Miranda of Prive Luxury Club, Reymond G. De Jesus of Makati Shangri-La Manila, and Albert S. Ladia of Le Jardin.

Inspired by Cointreau Privé in Paris, La Maison Cointreau was first launched internationally in New York City, with the aim of introducing Cointreau as the avant-garde and Parisian-style spirit that enables mixologists to be “Cointreauversial” and explore limitless cocktail variations using Cointreau, the heart of cocktails.

Tessa Valdes, JR Isaac, Joey Pineda, LMC grand winner Christian Asiddao, Evan Seah, Elisabeth Tona, Lee Watson, and Xavier Desaulles

The winners were selected based on the following criteria: flavor, aroma, presentation, techniques, and use of Cointreau. The judging panel was comprised of Remy Cointreau international marketing director Elisabeth Tona, beverage consultant Lee Watson, and Philippine STAR writer JR Isaac.

The grand winner will represent the country in the regional finals in Bangkok, Thailand.

Manila’s finest was at the event, which included special guests from Remy Cointreau International —  regional managing director Xavier Desaulles, business development director Evan Seah, and commercial manager Joey Pineda.

La Maison Cointreau was presented in cooperation with Le Jardin, the home of authentic French cuisine; Seda Hotel; Creative Concepts; Resorts World Manila; Jaguar Philippines; and Thai Airways.

* * *

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @anthonysuntay, and like my Facebook page: Anthony Suntay.