Global Vodka brand, Crystal Head, has announced the return of its Creative Spirit Challenge for 2023. After a four-year hiatus, the brand is challenging UK-wide bartenders to channel their inner creative spirit.
“Bringing back the Creative Spirit Challenge is massively important to Crystal Head Vodka, seeing first-hand the surge in global innovation in cocktails post-pandemic,” said PJ Jaurre, Global Brand Ambassador for Crystal Head Vodka. “The world has fully re-opened, and bartenders are shaking up some of the best drinks I’ve ever seen. It’s mind-blowing!
“This competition is all about finding the hottest, raw talent rising in UK bars, pushing them to reveal their true creative spirits, what Crystal Head is all about, and I’m super-excited to see and try the results,” he continued.
There will be four semi-final heats (Edinburgh – 15th May; Manchester – 22nd May; Bristol – 30th May & London – 7th June). Entries will be judged on visual appeal, balance of flavour, creativity, originality and brand synergy. Competitors will be tasked to create and showcase their unique cocktails using a minimum of 50ml of Crystal Head Vodka Original. All applicants must upload a photo of their creation and their drinks recipe.
Two finalists from each heat will be selected on 12th June to compete in the grand final in London (27th June).
Working in collaboration with legendary Rock’n’Roll jewellers, The Great Frog, the eight finalists will be invited to London for a two-day creative session, attending a bespoke hands-on workshop hosted by The Great Frog, learning about how to craft hand-made jewellery. Each bartender will be gifted a Great Frog ring and a bottle of Crystal Head Vodka.
The competition finals will see the winner receive flights and accommodation to attend the Athens Bar Show in November alongside being crowned Crystal Head Vodka’s UK Startender 2023.