NEW YORK (April 6, 2009) – ABSOLUT® and LX.TV announce Amanda Gager has been crowned the winner of the inaugural season of “ON THE ROCKS: THE SEARCH FOR AMERICA’S TOP BARTENDER”. The exciting new series, which debuted on Saturday, November 8, on LX.TV, follows the 12-week search for the best and brightest master mixologists. Amanda hails from Las Vegas, NV. Her passion for creativity and flair led her to explore her creativity behind the bar and eventually on the set of the “ON THE ROCKS”.
“Behind every great cocktail is a great bartender and Amanda has proven she belongs in the exclusive club of master mixologists,” said Ian Crystal, Brand Director of ABSOLUT Vodka. “As the world’s most iconic vodka, we are proud to support innovative and stylish bartenders who have what it takes to bring the art of mixology to a bold, new level. ABSOLUT is thrilled to recognize Amanda as top prize winner for the first season and we look forward to many more seasons and top bartenders to come.”
“We are raising our glasses to toast this great program and the skilled bartender who came away with the top prize,” said Morgan Hertzan, NBC Local Media Senior Vice President of Programming and General Manager of LX.TV. “We have distributed this show across all of our NBC Local Media platforms – on air, online and out of home so that folks who love to go out will be able to find time to watch this whenever and wherever they want.”
Hosted by sexy nightlife impresario Pedro Andrade, ten contestants from the country’s most influential and innovative cocktail communities demonstrated their talent, knowledge, speed, accuracy and agility in the face of a teeming crowd of thirsty bar patrons who demand cocktail supremacy and service with style. Contestants were pitted against one another to serve up delicious libations that posses both substance and style and were judged on tips scored, cocktail preparation and pairing cocktails with food and desserts created by top Las Vegas chefs. The judges for season one included: Cecile Raubenheimer, nightclub marketing expert; Fabrizio Brienza, international nightlife legend and Gregory Filler, casting guru for a Las Vegas talent agency.
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About Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second-leading company in the U.S. by sales value.
In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA’s leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Wild Turkey® Bourbon, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu® flavored Rum, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.
The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country.
Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org