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Web Exclusives
A Cocktail is Born:
Hyde Park mixologist Jeff Hinchcliffe a Columbus finalist for Bombay Sapphire's Most Inspired Bartender competition
By Rae Hellard
It’s well known that the downtown Columbus bar scene hosts some fabulous, creative mixologists who lift our spirits on the weekends to keep us happy and hydrated. New drinks appear on posh menus weekly, using diverse ingredients to change how we perceive the cocktail. But, through the mix of talented barkeeps in our town, there is one that has risen above the rest to catch the attention of high-profile gin maker, Bombay Sapphire.
Jeff Hinchcliffe, who has been entertaining patrons’ palates for five years at the Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, was selected by Bombay Sapphire as the Columbus finalist in the brand’s Search for the Most Inspired Bartender contest. Hinchcliffe, who had just wanted to place at the Bombay Sapphire tasting, was shocked and elated when his name was called for the win.
“All of this coverage is kind of weird to me,” says Hinchcliffe, who claims he is “just a bartender.” Clearly, higher powers believe him to be much more than that, as he stood out significantly at the cocktail tasting held for the competition.
Hinchcliffe was selected on August 3rd at the Franklin Park Conservatory’s inventive cocktail tasting for local mixologists. Bombay Sapphire Ambassador Gary Hayward sipped and studied many different spirit blends at this event, and after some lengthy consideration chose Hinchcliffe’s recipe as the most innovative.
Before choosing his winning recipe, Hinchcliffe and his girlfriend had created nine fabulous gin cocktails, using different flavors that coincide with the ten botanical properties used to make gin. After giving a taste-test to his neighbors, Jeff decided on the recipe that would later decide his position as the Columbus finalist.
Sapphire Roseberry, the cocktail talked of ‘round the tasting, combined fresh blueberry puree, herbed simple syrup, and of course Bombay Sapphire gin. Inspired by Hinchcliffe’s girlfriend and muse, Regina, Sapphire Roseberry’s creation was based on practicality, appearance, smell and taste, all features which undoubtedly caught the judges’ interest. This attractive and refreshing cocktail stood out for Hayward, and now our local bartender will be one of 40 to compete for the brand’s title in Las Vegas later this month.
“We just wanted to place [in the tasting],” says Jeff, who was let down as they called the 4th, 3rd and runner-up winners that night. When his name was called for the title and his trophy was presented, the news sunk in as he realized what winning would entail.
40 finalists, coming from nightclub to prime restaurant bartending backgrounds, will travel to Las Vegas August 29– 31 to compete for the brand’s Most Inspired Bartender title.
Hosted by the U.S. Bartender’s Guild and sponsored by GQ Magazine and Bombay Sapphire, this event will showcase each contestant and their winning cocktail, placing lucky finalists in the “Top Ten” section and crowning a winner. This prestigious label will help to promote the brand’s image as well as give contenders remarkable standing within the bartending community.
Bombay Sapphire, a company known for producing a gin with distinctive flavor and aroma, uses this competition to try and re-popularize their world-class spirit among the new generation of drinkers. In a world where vodka seems to reign supreme for younger bar patrons, gin may not be the trendiest liquor of choice. Bombay Sapphire hopes to change that, however, bringing into the spotlight this competition and all the flavorful, inventive exposure that comes with it.
Through all the publicity following this event, Hinchcliffe remains cool, excited and optimistic about the experience. With talk of putting his winning cocktail on the Hyde Park menu, locals may be able to try Sapphire Roseberry soon, as well as many other stunning and unique creations Hinchcliffe whips up nightly.
Jeff has been keeping our spirits up for years in the Columbus area, and you should keep him in mind as he faces his fellow bartenders and their winning concoctions. As the end of the month nears, remember to check in at www.bombaysapphire.com to see how Hinchcliffe bodes in the upcoming competition.
Sapphire Roseberry Recipe
Bombay Sapphire gin
Fresh blueberry puree
Rosemary and basil simple syrup
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Combine and serve in a martini glass. Garnish with fresh blueberries wrapped in a tender basil leaf.
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