Nine of 10 finalists competed Jan. 8 to be the official cocktail of Devour Indy Winterfest 2024. The competition was hosted by the Republic National Distributing Co.
Mixologists created original cocktails and competed in five categories; Best Herradura Tequila; Best Botanist Gin; Best Brugal Rum; Best Woodford Bourbon; and Wildcard.
Winners in each category received $100 cash and the overall winner will be featured on Fox59’s “Indy Now.”
The three judges included an educator from the Ivy Tech Community College Mixology Program; a former “MasterChef” contestant; and a digital creator/bourbon connoisseur. First-time participants Kyle Devine of Hotel Carmichael won the Herradura Tequila category with his cocktail, “It’s gonna be a bumpy ride,” and Hunter Hawkins, 28, of Sangiovese Ristorante won the bourbon category with “Live and let die,” which was also selected the overall winner and People’s Choice winner.
“It’s the perfect poolside cocktail.” Hawkins said.
Devour Indy Winterfest runs Jan. 22 t through Feb. 4. For more, visit devourindy.com/about/.
