The Shout Magazine (New Zealand)

Pisco Aperitivo Cocktail Competition returns in 2022

Promperú – the Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism – is inviting bartenders to bring Pisco to happy hour in a new cocktail competition.

The Pisco Aperitivo Cocktail Competition invites Australian and New Zealand bartenders to craft an Aperitivo worthy cocktail using the traditional Peruvian aperitif, Pisco, as the base spirit and drawing inspiration from the cultural drinking and dining ritual of aperitivo.

From sgroppinos to spritzes, negronis to americanos, Promperú is looking for creative cocktails inspired by the cultural drinking occasion of aperitivo while showcasing the versatility and unique flavours of Pisco.

Following on the success from Promperú’s Australian Pisco Chilcano competition in 2021, the competition is now expanding to New Zealand, with a first place prize of $1,500 and eight bottles of premium Pisco going to the winning cocktails in both Australia and New Zealand.

Promperú will also award a second place winner in each country $500 and eight bottles of premium Pisco.

“We have been wildly impressed by the innovation and creativity shown by Australian bartenders in using Pisco from Peru to craft a range of original cocktails, and we’re excited to be extending competition for the first time to New Zealand bartenders this year,” says Mario Vargas, Trade Commissioner of Peru to Australia and New Zealand.

“Aperitivo is a cultural phenomenon producing a huge array of delicious cocktails to enjoy after work or before dinner with friends in a super casual setting.

“Pisco, the spirit of Peru, fits perfectly into this space and we can’t wait to see how bartenders across Australia and New Zealand give aperitivo a Peruvian twist.”

Returning as Chief Pisco Aperitivo judges in 2022 will be respected Australian drinks journalist and P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants proprietor, Mike Bennie, alongside bartender and co-founder of Continental Bar & Deli Michael Nicolian.

“Here we have an opportunity to reframe the conversation around Pisco, splash it around in technicolour and generally have a better look at what versatility and personality can come about from ‘working’ with it,” says Bennie.

Entries are now open for the Pisco Aperitivo Cocktail Competition and close on 18 February.

To enter, bartenders based in Australia and New Zealand must submit an original cocktail recipe inspired by a classic aperitivo cocktail using one of a number of premium Piscos available, including Barsol, Pucara, Del Parral, Del Carral, Queirolo, and Tabernero.

Entrants must also submit an image of their finished creation along with a 60-second video of them creating the cocktail and talking about the inspiration behind the recipe.

To enter, click here and for more information about Pisco, visit
www.peruaustraliatrade.com/

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