Flavours of Grenada have been running a month-long competition using a variety of distilled spirits. For one week in July the Caribbean Gin cocktail competition provided some unique and amazing new cocktails for the world to see.
With an array of locally sourced ingredients, the competitors have developed a new genre of Caribbean drink.
All photos courtesy of Flavours of Grenada.
Flavours of Grenada
Flavours of Grenada is an organisation dedicated to producing high quality foods using local, island ingredients. They are also a platform that highlights local ingredients and delicacies on an international scale.
Based on the island of Grenada, head chef and company director, Belinda Bishop has taken Grenadian dishes to various food and beverage events around the world.
Eight different competitors from around the island of Grenada developed their own, unique cocktails based on the following two categories:
1. Carnival (Spicemass)
2. An ocean inspired Martini
Each drink had to be made, named and create a story behind it. Competitors were supplied with a bottle of our Blue Ocean Edition Gin to perform their tasks and had one week to develop the drinks.
Caribbean Gin Cocktail Favourites
There were so many incredible and creative cocktails developed as part of the competition, however, we have singled out a few of our favourites to share.
Stormy Seas
Inspired by the hurricane season and the abundance of sea grapes growing on Grenada’s shores . I created this Gin cocktail to showcase the changing colours, just like the Blue Light Caribbean Gin . Sea grapes are always within arms reach when having a beach day and with the element of the wind and rough seas , the grapes become amalgamated with the ocean, hence my rendition of it with a sweet and salty Flavour. This is my twist on the traditional dirty martini . —- Rohanne Persaud
Ingredients
- Blue Light Ocean Edition Gin
- Vermouth
- Blue Curacao
- Sea Grapes
We loved the infusion of gin with the local sea grape. The sea grape trees are staple here in the Caribbean for beach shade but not normally assosiated with cocktails.
It really adds an ‘out of the box’ element to this cocktail.
Parade
I was inspired by the costume colours of all the masquerades on carnival Tuesday . There are always a sea of different colours and it is Spicemas after all , Grenada’s amazing Carnival , so I wanted to add the extra kick of spiciness with the peppered honey syrup. The layers of colors in the cocktail are like the layers of colours we see every Spicemas with the array of costumes . —- Rohanne Persaud
Ingredients
- Blue Light Blue Ocean Edition
- Honey
- Hot Pepper
- Lemon Juice
The way that this one came together with the coloured layering is a perfect example of what we wanted to see happen with our blue gin.
The mix of spicy and sweet is also a great reflection of the carnival celebrations.
Crested Wave
There is nothing more calming than the sound of crashing waves while watching the waves crest lap at the shores hungrily. The Caribbean Sea is Grenada’s finest jewel . One to be treasured and preserved – Rachel Findley
Ingredients
- Blue Light Ocean Edition Gin
- Blue Curacao
- Coconut Rum
- Anise and Ginger Honey
Garnished with a local Hibiscus flower and served on a beachfront setting. What more could you ask for out of a Caribbean Cocktail? We love the layering effect in this cocktail.
Photo Highlights
Here are some photo highlights from the Caribbean Gin Cocktail Competition to show the competitors in their element.
The Next Competition?
Watching these amazing cocktails come into fruition has inspired us to do more. There are so many inspiring and talented mixologists out there and especially in the Caribbean. With the unique flavours and versatility of Caribbean Gin, the realm of new drinks and cocktails is limitless.
So, we’d like to do more cocktail competitions in the future to see what people can come up with!
Gin enthusiast and Caribbean Dreamer.
