DeKuyper®, the #1-selling line of domestic cordials, is thrilled to unveil the winner of its first national bartender challenge. Kicked off in September, bartenders across America were challenged to craft a signature DeKuyper cocktail and fans were asked to vote for their favorite creation.
Wowing cocktail enthusiasts, Dudley Delhagen of Redbank, New Jersey received the most votes, earning him the title of 2015 DeKuyper Cocktail Master. The perfect balance of sweet and smoky, Dudley’s Smoked Blossom cocktail features DeKuyper’s JDK & Sons™ Fleur Elderflower liqueur, which offers a fruity aroma and subtle hints of floral and tropical fruits.
“The DeKuyper Cocktail Challenge provides bartenders the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills for a national audience,” said Brendan Lynch, Senior Marketing Director, Beam Suntory. “Dudley’s passion for mixology shined through in his delicious winning cocktail, and fans agreed. With DeKuyper, the options are limitless, we look forward to seeing what Dudley will shake up next.“
Throughout September, DeKuyper called upon talented and inventive bartenders in all 50 states to submit a short video highlighting their skills behind the bar using one of the over 70 cordial flavors from the DeKuyper portfolio. Submissions rolled in and were narrowed down to eight finalists before turning the final decision over to the fans who voted for their favorite bartender on http://www.DekuyperBartenderChallenge.com.
For his submission, Delhagen created the Smoked Blossom cocktail, which features DeKuyper’s John DeKuyper & Sons™ Fleur Elderflower Liqueur mixed with Connemara® Irish Whiskey, and sweet and sour flavors from fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and orange bitters.
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The Smoked Blossom
Created by Dudley Delhagen, 2015 DeKuyper® Cocktail Master
1 part John DeKuyper & Sons™ Fleur Elderflower Liqueur
2 parts Connemara® Irish Whiskey
1/2 part Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 part Simple Syrup
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
“I couldn’t be happier to represent DeKuyper, my home state of New Jersey, and creative bartenders across the country,” said Delhagen. “DeKuyper’s variety of flavors and versatility in cocktails made it easy to create a unique cocktail that fans would love. I’m proud of this recipe and excited to share it with other bartenders and home mixologists across the country!“
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