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Tatum Bessick

About Tatum Bessick

https://paddingtonstationpr.co.za/

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Join the Ranks of ANGOSTURA’s Elite Bartenders!

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The House of ANGOSTURA® is calling all bartenders! The ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Challenge (AGCC) 2024/25 is now open for entries. ANGOSTURA® is looking for a passionate bartender who can excel on the global stage, representing the brand at the biggest international events.

This competition offers an exciting opportunity for bartenders around the world to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We’re searching for bartenders with the perfect combination of skill, charm, and expertise to join the House of ANGOSTURA® as our next Global Brand Ambassador. If you’ve got a deep understanding of cocktails and a passion for ANGOSTURA® products—ranging from our world-renowned bitters to our premium rums and amaro—then this challenge is for you. You’ll need to display innovation in your cocktail creation, knowledge of the latest spirits trends, and strong communication skills to connect with industry professionals around the world.

What’s Up for Grabs?

Participants in the ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Challenge 2024/25 stands to win some of the industry’s most prestigious honours and rewards:

  • National/Regional Winner: Earn the title of ANGOSTURA® Cocktail Challenge Winner for your country or region and win an all-expenses-paid trip to Trinidad & Tobago in May 2025 to represent your country in the global finals.
  • Global Finals Winner: Claims the ultimate title of ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Challenge Champion 2025, wins $10,000, and secures a 2-year contract to travel the world as the ANGOSTURA® Global Brand Ambassador, showcasing the House of ANGOSTURA® portfolio at the world’s top events.

How to Enter:

To join this prestigious competition, simply submit your entry at angosturaglobalcocktailchallenge.com. Showcase your mixology mastery by creating an original, innovative swizzle cocktail featuring at least 30ml of ANGOSTURA® Rum and one of our famous bitters. Your creation will be judged on appeal, aesthetics, and story, with bonus points for sustainability.

Your entry should include:

  • Cocktail name, recipe, and method
  • Menu description (50 words max)
  • Supporting paragraph (250 words max)
  • One image of your cocktail

Challenge Rules:

  • Your cocktail must contain a minimum of 30ml of ANGOSTURA® Rum and one ANGOSTURA® bitter.
  • It can contain a maximum of 75ml of 40% ABV spirit before dilution.
  • You can include up to 3 homemade ingredients, with a total of 6 ingredients allowed (excluding ice).
  • The cocktail should be original and innovative, delivering on the set scoring criteria.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Appeal (30 points): Does the recipe and description make it sound irresistible?
  • Aesthetic (30 points): Is the drink visually stunning, with a fitting garnish and glassware?
  • Story (30 points): How creatively does the cocktail reflect the bartender’s local culture or a twist on a classic?
  • Sustainability Bonus (10 points): Did the bartender incorporate sustainable ingredients or methods?

This is your chance to shine in front of the global cocktail community, gain international recognition, and be part of a celebration of 200 years of Angostura’s legacy. Don’t miss out—submit your entry today and take the first step toward becoming the next ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Champion!

For more information and to enter, visit angosturaglobalcocktailchallenge.com. Follow ANGOSTURA® South Africa on Facebook /Angostura South Africa and Instagram @AngosturaZA for updates, fun facts and recipes.

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Sin + Tax Wins South African Best Cocktail Bar 2024

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The 2024 ANGOSTURA® Bar & Beverage Awards gala ceremony was held in Cape Town to celebrate the best of South Africa’s bar and beverage industry. Local talent, recognized as some of the best in the world, took centre stage. Bars, distributors, agencies, and individuals from across the country gathered for an unforgettable evening.

For the second consecutive year, Sin + Tax, a popular cocktail bar in Johannesburg, was awarded the prestigious title of Best Cocktail Bar.

Emerging on the scene in spectacular fashion was Talking to Strangers, which took home the award for Best New Cocktail Bar. Co-owner Alessandro Galassi expressed his gratitude by saying, “We’re really honoured to receive this award and to be part of such a vibrant and incredible community. Shout out to the fam!”

At the evening event, Joshua “JJ” Hendricks was announced as the winner of the Best Bartender award. JJ’s undeniable passion for the craft was evident in his heartfelt reaction to receiving the award. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this award. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey – from my incredible team at Fable, friends within the bartending industry, and patrons who have supported me through every shake, stir, and pour. It’s your belief in me that fuels my creativity behind the bar.”

The award for Best Bar Team went to Sin + Tax, praised for their flawless execution and cohesive energy behind the bar. Marble claimed the title of Best Restaurant Bar, known for blending top-tier cocktails with a premium dining experience. Proud Mary in Johannesburg won the award for Best Hotel Bar, recognized for its exceptional service and elevated cocktail experience that sets the standard in the industry.

Best Cocktail Bar

Sin + Tax

Best New Cocktail Bar

Talking to Strangers

Best Hotel Bar

Proud Mary

Best Restaurant Bar

Marble

Best Bar Solutions

Just Short

Best Upliftment Programme or Initiative

Socks Flair Club

Best Bartender

Joshua “JJ” Hendricks

Best Bar Team

Sin + Tax

Best Support Staffer

Thandeka Ncube

Best Brand Ambassador

Caitlin Hill

Best Bar Communicator

Julian Short

Best Mentor

Leah Van Deventer

Industry Icons

Dale Parker

Evert de Jong

Nicholas Crouse

Stephanie Oosthuizen

Best CSI Campaign

Fitch & Leedes

Best New Local Product

Hope Distillery

Best Place to Work

fable

Best Distributor/Retail Outlet

Mothercity Liquor

We also paid tribute to the other outstanding submissions in both the bar and beverage award categories. From innovative bar solutions to game-changing initiatives and personal achievements, this year’s winners exemplified the excellence and passion driving the industry forward.

 

”Without our remarkable sponsors, we would not be able to recognise the talent in our own country, which is the case for many sectors,” says Paul Reynell of the Angostura Bar & Beverage Awards. “The contribution of our sponsors Thirst, S.Pellegrino Sparkling Water, Aqua Panna, and Fitch & Leeds is why we can get together and celebrate South African talent.”

In addition to the bar categories, the prestigious Industry Icon awards were presented to a remarkable group of individuals who have made an indelible impact on the industry. Dale Parker, Evert de Jong, Nicholas Crouse, and Stephanie Oosthuizen were each honored for their decades of dedication, leadership, and innovation. This one-time award celebrates their lasting contributions and influence in shaping South Africa’s vibrant bar and beverage landscape.

This year, a new award was introduced: the prestigious Legacy Award, honoring the pioneers whose enduring contributions have significantly shaped the beverage landscape. The addition of this award highlights the industry’s deep respect for those who have paved the way, ensuring a bright future for the next generation of trailblazers.

One of the most captivating moments of the evening was the presentation of the Legacy Awards to Timothy Hutchinson and Alan Shuman. These two industry leaders were honored for their exceptional contributions to the South African bar and beverage scene, which have helped shape it into the dynamic landscape we know today. Their vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have set a benchmark for future generations. Undoubtedly, their legacy will continue to inspire the industry for years to come.

For more information about the ANGOSTURA® Bar & Beverage Awards, visit www.barandbeverageawards.co.za. Follow us on social media for updates: Instagram @bar_beverageawards and Facebook @barbeverageawards.

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Celebrating 200 Years of Pure Indulgence

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The House of ANGOSTURA® is celebrating a significant milestone—its bicentennial, marking 200 years of influence and innovation in the world of spirits.

Established in 1824, ANGOSTURA® has played a pivotal role in the creation of many of the world’s finest cocktails, enhancing flavors and inspiring mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Known for its rich history and unwavering dedication to quality, ANGOSTURA® is a staple in the cocktail community, symbolizing excellence and craftsmanship.

One of ANGOSTURA®’s standout products is its cocoa bitters. This unique blend, which uses premium cocoa from Trinidad and Tobago, exemplifies over 200 years of bitters expertise. The result is a rich and decadent infusion that can elevate a variety of cocktails. It pairs especially well with sweet vermouth or aged spirits like whiskey, rum, cognac, and tequila, adding a luxurious touch to any drink. Beyond cocktails, ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters can enhance the flavor of main dishes or desserts, making it a versatile ingredient in any kitchen.

To celebrate this historic milestone, ANGOSTURA® suggests adding its cocoa bitters to your winter cocktail repertoire.

For instance, an Espresso Martini made with ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters combines the rich flavors of cocoa and coffee, creating a cozy and sophisticated drink perfect for cold evenings.

Espresso Martini Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 50ml vodka
  • 30ml freshly brewed espresso
  • 20ml coffee liqueur
  • 1 dash of ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters
  • Ice

Method:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the vodka, freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur, and a dash of ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters.
  3. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with coffee beans.

This winter, let ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters bring warmth and depth to your favorite cocktails. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, an Espresso Martini with ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters offers a delightful and comforting experience.

As ANGOSTURA® celebrates 200 years of flavor, inspiration, and excellence, it looks forward to continuing its legacy for another two centuries. For more information on the ANGOSTURA® range and for additional recipes, visit www.angosturabitters.com.

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2024 South African Bar & Beverage Awards: Bar nominations are now open!

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The South African Bar & Beverage Awards is now accepting nominations for the most anticipated bar categories of 2024. This year’s awards will also highlight the vital supporting industries that drive service excellence in the bar sector.

The aim is to establish the Bar & Beverage Awards among the top international drinks accolades and the gala ceremony promises to be a significant event on the trade calendar. All brands, distributors, and agencies are invited to compete for recognition.

An esteemed panel of 46 industry experts, led by Leah van Deventer as Head Judge, will impartially judge each submission to ensure fairness and integrity. Judges will refrain from evaluating categories where conflicts of interest arise, even if they are eligible for awards.

The submission categories showcase the pinnacle of achievement within the South African beverage industry, from Best Brand Campaign to Best New Local Product. In addition to the beverage categories, the awards also honor excellence within the on-trade sector, featuring coveted titles such as Best Bartender and Best Cocktail Bar.

Nominations for the bar categories will be open to the public, with final judgments made by the panel of industry experts. The deadline for bar nominations is 22nd May 2024. Whether you’re competing for the title of Best Cocktail Bar or seeking recognition for your innovative cocktail ingredient, don’t miss the chance to make your mark at the 2024 South African Bar & Beverage Awards.

For submission details and further information, please contact info@barandbeverageawards.co.za. For more information about the ANGOSTURA® Bar & Beverage Awards you can also visit www.barandbeverageawards.co.za

Follow us on social media for updates: Instagram @bar_beverageawards and Facebook @barbeverageawards.

Celebrate World Cocktail Day 2024

5 Spirited Ways to Celebrate World Cocktail Day 2024

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Cocktails have been raising our spirits for more than two centuries now. The first printed definition of the modern cocktail was recorded on 13th May 1806, when editor Harry Croswell wrote that it was “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters”. Our cocktail horizons may have expanded radically since then, but the definition still holds… and ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters remains the mainstay of pretty much every cocktail bar worldwide.

World Cocktail Day is celebrated each year on 13th May to commemorate the occasion, but there’s more than one way to mark the auspicious day. If you find yourself in a cocktail rut (always order a negroni? Margarita too good to swap out?) make a point of doing one new cocktail thing this World Cocktail Day. Here are five ideas to shake up your cocktail habits:

Add one new bottle to your home cocktail cabinet

Examine your home cocktail cabinet (or kitchen shelf) with critical eyes. Which bottles sit gathering dust while others are regularly replaced. Is there a cocktail you’ve always wanted to make with them but lack one crucial spirit, mixer or bitters? Pick one bottle to add to your bottle collection that will bring it all together and give you cocktail-making scope. Maybe it’s a sweet vermouth you need to perfect your Manhattan? Perhaps you’ve always stuck to vodka-based cocktails and are ready to branch out with a new spirit? Or maybe expanding your bitters repertoire with a bottle of ANGOSTURA® orange or cocoa bitters is all you need to ring the changes.

Learn one new cocktail-making technique

Why not push your home cocktail-making boundaries and add one new technique to your repertoire. The intricacies of fat-washing might be best left to professional mixologists, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t learn the ins and outs of shaking, muddling, or cooking up your own simple syrups.

Find out the origin story of your favorite cocktail

Cocktail lore is full of great stories, some of them factual, others most likely embellished. Read up about your favourite cocktails and bring a whole new dimension to your enjoyment. For instance, did you know that the Tom Collins is said to have emerged after a popular prank swept New York City in the 1870s… people would wind up their friends telling them that a bloke called Tom Collins was insulting them in a nearby bar, sending them storming into the bar to demand the whereabouts of this villain! He was of course totally fictitious, but barmen soon created a drink called Tom Collins to capitalise on the practical joke.

Order the wildest cocktail on the menu of your favourite cocktail bar

So your bestie bartender makes a mean margarita… and it’s just too good not to order? Get out of your groove and look for the most creative cocktail on the menu. Or ask them to shake up a surprise for you. Watch and learn, stretch your cocktail tastebuds, and discover new flavours and new mixology techniques as you become a more informed cocktail connoisseur.

Organize a collaborative cocktail party at home

Hosting a cocktail party sounds like a whole lot of work… worth it to celebrate an occasion of course, but not something to spontaneously throw together. Get together with a few cocktail-minded friends however and it can be informal and easy as stirring up a Sea Breeze! Four to six guests is perfect for this. Each person nominates a different signature cocktail and brings the ingredients (host supplies the ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters, there’s no need for everyone to bring their own bottle!). Take turns to make your cocktail over the course of an evening. Add snacks, tapas or takeaways, throw in a glitz-glam movie (featuring cocktails of course… and

it doesn’t have to be The Great Gatsby) and you have a suitably spirited World Cocktail Day celebration with the minimal of effort.

For more information on the Angostura range and delicious food and cocktail recipes please visit www.angosturabitters.com.

Follow Angostura South Africa on Facebook /Angostura South Africa and Instagram @AngosturaZA for fun facts, recipes and brand updates.