BOLS, the world’s oldest distiller, announced that Santiago Giovannelli from Buenos Aires, Argentina is the winner of the 2008 BOLS Around The World cocktail competition, beating over 200 contestants to the prize. Giovannelli’s winning cocktail “By My Side,” is an innovative concoction showcasing BOLS Lemoncello liqueur and BOLS Genever. In a new twist, Giovannelli also designed an accompanying cocktail: a hot espresso with BOLS Café al Cognac.
In June 2008, bartenders from all over the globe were challenged to capture the spirit of BOLS and put their creative mixology to the test by producing a video showcasing their cocktail making skills. Successful video submissions were showcased via a BOLS YouTube channel, http://youtube.com/user/BolsAroundTheWorld, as well as on www.bolsaroundtheworld.com.
As the winner, Giovannelli will participate in the third BOLS Bartender Exchange, a unique all-expenses-paid trip to Amsterdam, where he will have the opportunity to visit the renowned House of BOLS Museum, the BOLS Bartending Academy and showcase his mixology skills at an exclusive bar in the city.
According to Hanneke de Bruijn, Lucas Bols Commercial Manager, “By My Side” was chosen due to its “adventurous cocktail and flavor combination. The base spirit used is a Dutch Genever, which is full of rich, malty flavors with hints of herbs and spices that complement the BOLS Lemoncello. The Caribbean coconut cream combined with fresh lime adds a sunny feeling and texture to the mixture. Alongside this fantastic drink, a complementary beverage is served, made with BOLS Café al Cognac and hot espresso”.
Often considered “a bartender’s best friend,” the BOLS portfolio includes a vast range of fruit and cream based cordials, designed specifically for cocktail mixology. The BOLS Bartending Competition encourages bartenders to experiment with creative bartending and mixology, and rewards bartenders for their contributions to the industry.