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Ryan Mittoo stirs

Published:Thursday | October 11, 2012 | 12:00 AM
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Glass already nicely garnished with orange slices, winner Ryan Mittoo pours his 'West Indian' cocktail.
Lone female competitor, Shakeira Johnson, tops her 'Spice Carmelised Banana' cocktail with whipped cream. - Contributed
George Beckford works on his second cocktail as his 'Chocolate Dream' takes the spotlight.
Third-place finisher Maurice Robinson pours his brew, the 'Best of Jamaica 50', for presentation to the judges.
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Ryan Mittoo has once again conquered the cocktail world. Through a stunning display of mixology mastery, the Bars to Go bartender proved he was top of the class when he bested 10 others in the Angostura Mixmaster Cocktail Challenge, last Thursday at The Deck.

Immense skill was demonstrated by all in the challenge to highlight the 'mix-ability' of Angostura Bitters in cocktails. Each competitor prepared two cocktails that had to be enhanced by a minimum of five dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters or Orange Bitters. Scores were based on appearance, aroma, taste and presentation.

Coming off his recent win in other local competitions, and fuelled by a desire to better his 2011 performance, Mittoo used his allotted seven minutes to wow the judges and audience with his expertly created 'Angos Cloud 19' and 'West Indian' cocktails.

With every stir and shake, and the use of witty punch lines like "West Indians aren't quitters so add some Bitters", Mittoo elicited excited shouts from the crowd which cheered him on.

When all the show-stopping techniques settled, Mittoo walked away with the coveted US$1,000 cash prize and has advanced to the regional leg of the event slated for October 13 in Antigua. There, he will compete against other Caribbean nationals for the chance to pocket an extra US$5,000 and a spot in the global challenge slated for Trinidad in February 2013.

"Last year when I entered I came with gimmicks to gain crowd support, but that backfired because I ran out of time and lost crucial points. This year I decided no tricks. I just jumped right into it and with better time management, organisation and support from my brother and colleagues, I pulled it off,' noted Mittoo after his win.

Mittoo now plans to continue practising creative cocktail mixing as he prepares for the regionals. "I will bring my personality and that unique Jamaican flavour, plus good execution and professionalism and, hopefully, will again be a par above the rest."

Veteran bartender George Beckford, a second-time competitor, also stepped up his game from last year to take second place with his 'Chocolate Dream' and 'Cocoa Oasis' delights. Rounding off the top three was Maurice Robinson with his 'Angostura Last Dance' and 'Best of Jamaica 50'.

Known as the taste that flavours the world, Angostura has a long tradition of spicing up cuisines in the Caribbean and internationally. It is a highly concentrated flavouring made from a selection of aromatic herbs and spices which makes it ideal for all culinary purposes.