Cosmo Hottest Bartender Announced

There was a Battle of Sexes at the Manhatten's Club in Rivonia last night; only this contest happened behind the Bar. Cosmopolitan magazine partnered with Collison’s White Gold Brandy to announce the Hottest Bartender....

The Competition is now in its 3rd year and the aim: to find the Coolest Mixologist in the Country.

This year it was a little different: instead of only having 10 Gorgeous Male Bartenders, the competition was 'spiced-up' and included a mixture of 5 Guys and 5 Girls who competed for the title of SA’s Hottest Bartender.

The competition is not only judged on looks: each entrant needed to submit a cocktail recipe, and had to prepare their cocktail last night in under 4 minutes.

The Winner:

Jodie Graves walked away with bragging rights of being SA’s Hottest Bartender, as well as a grand prize of R20'000.00.

Her Cocktail was the Strawberry and Ginger Collie (pictured right)

It included Collison's served tall over ice with freshly squeezed lemon and ginger ale. Completed with fresh strawberries, a ginger fan and lemon wheel.

Jodie receiving her cheque surrounded by the other finalists
Photo Credit: Marina Brokorenko

The 10 finalists for Cosmo Hottest Bartender 2012 were:

• Ryan Hofland from Crew Bar, Cape Town
• Zanele Mdleko from Movida, Johannesburg
• Chris Pappas previously from Taboo, at Byblos Hubbly Lounge, Johannesburg
• Jodie Graves from Buddha Ta, Johannesburg
• Mfanelo Ndlovu from Fashion TV Cedar Square, Johannesburg
• Ashleigh Minne form Movida, Johannesburg
• Dayne Ridgway from Rocca Bar, Durban
• Lauren Brown from Knoxville Lounge Bar, Cape Town
• Nimrad Robinson from Fat Cactus Café, Cape Town
• Shanlee le Roux from Rocca Bar, Durban 

During the night there was a Competition over Twitter to name a Collison's Cocktail and my entry was chosen — Collison's Collision! Let's see what Cocktail will be created under this name. My Prize was a R500.00 Bar Tab and that was more than enough to have FUN with!

My Bar Tab Prize :)
Photo Credit: Marina Brokorenko

If you are Q-rious to find out more about the finalists or want to know how to make their cocktails, click here.

All Photos compliments of Cosmopolitan Website unless otherwise stated