STIR IT UP is back for 2019

After a successful 2018 event, we’re delighted to announce the return of our STIR IT UP cocktail competition. This year we’re taking it up a notch in the search for the UK’s best up and coming bartenders and their unique cocktail creations. The winner, who will be crowned in May, will win a trip of a lifetime exploring Iceland with Reyka Vodka.

Customers are now able to enter our UK-wide cocktail competition, by submitting their original creation online. Successful entrants will then be invited to compete in one of our regional heats. The theme is discovery, with the selection panel looking for serves that encapsulate new trends or a deliver a futuristic smash-up of a classic.

40 bartenders in total will be selected to create their cocktail at one of our regional heats, hosted over March and April at the Matthew Clark’s flagship tasting events, Uncovered. Both the winner and the runner up of each regional heat will be invited to the grand final event in London this May. The ultimate winner will enjoy a two-night stay in Reykjavik for two. Provided by Rekya Vodka, the prize includes a visit to the Reyka distillery and an Icelandic expedition on board a Superjeep; an unforgettable experience in the land of massive glaciers, subterranean volcanoes, psychedelic nocturnal auroras, andcozy sweaters.

Video: STIR IT UP 2018

Entry is open to everyone over the age of 18, and the closing dates for entries is the 14th February at 17:00 GMT, with first-round judging being carried out by a panel of Matthew Clark Spirit Specialists immediately after. At the regional heats and the grand final, a panel of drinks industry professionals and Matthew Clark Spirit specialists will assess the cocktail on flavour, aroma, appearance, and adherence to the discovery theme.

This competition is your chance to showcase your talent and produce an innovative cocktail creation that shows new and exciting flavour combinations. “The STIR IT UP competition was definitely the catalyst for the achievements I’ve made this year, I’d implore anyone to test themselves to win it!”, says Alex Mills who scooped the crown last year and has gone on to win a ‘Best Bartender in the UK’ nod from the Morning Advertiser, a nomination for ‘Best Bar Team’ from Imbibe UK, and help his venue to win ‘Best themed menu’ in the UK. Congrats Alex, we wish the same success to this year’s winner.