El Dorado’s Third Annual Cocktail Challenge set for Nov 27

By Frank Sabatini Jr. | SDUN Reporter

Steven Tuttle, general manager of El Dorado Cocktail Lounge, said he cannot wait to “toss a few curve balls” to eight bartenders taking part in the Third Annual Cocktail Challenge, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27. The showdown, which drew nearly 400 spectators last year, puts local mixologists to the test in an eliminating three-round match that requires them to invent cocktails in four minutes or less. Each round features a secret ingredient that they must incorporate.

“One of the ingredients I chose for them this year definitely isn’t something used in craft cocktails,” Tuttle said. “It should be pretty entertaining seeing how creative they will get.”

Entering the contest are Uptown bartenders Jacqueline Coulon of Starlite in Mission Hills, Christian Siglin of Craft & Commerce in Little Italy and Tim Stevens of the new Seven Grand in North Park, which houses a whiskey collection of nearly 400 labels.

“I won’t feel forced into using whiskey during the competition, but if it happens, it does,” said Stevens, who founded the San Diego chapter of the United States Bartender Guild. He placed second last year, representing nearby Prohibition at the time.

“I don’t remember the drink I made because it was such an immediate call to action, which is part of the fun,” he said.

Also included in the lineup is two-time reigning champ Anthony Schmidt of Noble Experiment, who swooned the judges last year with a whiskey libation infused with honey and lemon. Sherry was also shaken into the drink as the mandatory component.

“I submit recipes all the time to various competitions around the country, but those are different compared to the adrenaline rush of this event, when I’m up against my local peers,” Schmidt said.

Other contenders vying for the $200 cash prize are Ryan Kuntz of El Dorado, Hass Mahmood of Lion’s Share, Pedro Melgar of Saltbox and Tyler French of Prohibition.

The five-judge panel, which includes Jayson Wylde of San Francisco’s famed Bourbon and Branch, will score the drinks in each round on a scale of one to 10. Contestants must aim to please from seven categories that include balance, flavor, aroma, presentation and best use of the secret ingredients. Kahlua and the bitter Czech liqueur, Becherovka, were among the surprise ingredients announced in past competitions.

“Sweet, tart … you never know what the judges will like,” Schmidt said. “The challenge is making drinks that appeal to everyone.”

The event originally began as a team effort by El Dorado’s staff, though Tuttle said that it is not meant to be as “super serious” as the hardcore competitions he sees occurring in cities like New York, where winners springboard into international matches afterward.

“We basically just want to have fun with our friends and customers and make really good drinks,” Tuttle said. “At the end of the contest, the winner gives us the recipe and we sell the drink for the rest of the night to people who want to try it.”

This year’s guest DJ is Vrock, who will spin oldies and Motown favorites. Admission is free. El Dorado Cocktail Lounge is located at 1030 Broadway. For more information, call 619-237-0550.