Bénédictine Crowns Manchester’s Cocktail Champion

LEON DALLOWAY has been crowned the winner of Socio Rehab’s Manchester mixologist competition.

Leon beat off stiff competition from six other entrants to win a paid trip to France in September – including a visit to the birthplace competition sponser, Bénédictine, in Fécamp, Normandy – plus a Cocktail Safari in Paris.

Leon impressed the judges with his cocktail “The DOM” 

All seven mixologists were asked to create a new cocktail containing a minimum of 35ml Bénédictine, which was then marked on taste, aroma and presentation. The entrants were also judged on their knowledge of their cocktails ingredients.

The winner, Leon, impressed the judges with his cocktail “The DOM” which was made using Bénédictine, Lemon Tea Vodka and Noilly Prat.

He said: “I love using Bénédictine in my cocktails, so to be recognised by the brand itself for my work is amazing. It was a great day all round but being named the winner was just the icing on the cake. I can’t wait for the trip to Fécamp, it sounds absolutely amazing. Roll on September.”

The Dom

Paul Curry, brand manager for Bénédictine Liqueur, said: “Leon’s creation captivated us and his knowledge of the brand was impressive. We were looking for a cocktail that would appeal to all age groups and The DOM fitted the bill for all three judges.  

The use of such classic flavours to make something unique yet replicable was what swung it for Leon. However, it really was a close call between all seven as the standard was so high and the cocktails delicious, but Leon is a very deserved winner and we hope he enjoys his trip in September.”

The Manchester competition took place in the recently opened Almost Famous venue, above cocktail bar Socio Rehab.