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OPIHR (pronounced {O-peer}) Gin invited mixologists from around the world to enter the 2019 OPIHR Global Cocktail Competition, which will see regional finalists travel to Venice in September 2019.

Bartenders and mixologists were invited to create a new cocktail using OPIHR Oriental Spiced Gin and share it on social media tagging @OPIHRGin with the hashtag #OPIHRWorld.

The cocktail had to be a twist on a classic, using at least 35ml OPIHR Gin, with no more than five ingredients.

In line with the brand's mission to take consumers on a 'Journey of Discovery' and to tie flavour to place, the cocktail also had to include at least one ingredient local to the country of entry.

OPIHR Gin is a London Dry Gin infused with exotic hand-picked botanicals, spices and herbs from along the Spice Route. To echo the botanicals in OPIHR Gin and their journey from the Spice Route the South African finale started with a spice lunch experience and cocktail tasting at Babylonstoren, Cape Town on Monday 19 August 2019. The 6 South African finalists from around the country, along with the competition judges and selected media and influencers were educated about the botanicals in OPIHR Gin using the same botanicals grown in Babylonstoren's own gardens, and experienced a food, gin and spice pairing in Babylonstoren's new Spice Room.

The OPIHR Gin Global Cocktail Competition Finale for South Africa took place at Gorgeous George Hotel on Tuesday 20 August 2019. The 6 finalists showcased their talents by preparing and serving their OPIHR Gin cocktail creation to the 3 judges, Aaron Pollack - from Chicago, USA- Winner of the OPIHR Global Cocktail Competition 2017,  Julian Short, - South African winner of the OPIHR Global Cocktail Competition 2018 and Rael Lasarow - MD of Thirst Bar Services JHB, who ultimately selected a winner to attend the global final in Venice in later in September.

The winner for the 2019 OPIHR Cocktail competition for South Africa is Aaron Datnow from Marble Restaurant in Johannesburg who will be heading off to Venice in September to compete in the OPIHR Gin Global Cocktail Competition.

Press Release and Media Enquiries: 4elementsmedia.com

Picture credit: @mrfranschhoek