By Rebecca Harris
The USA has once again proven to be a leading force in the cocktail scene, after winning the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand on Saturday night (Mar 27).
Twenty-four bartenders from across the world were selected to compete in the competition, which consisted of five days of cocktail challenges and extreme outdoor activities, culminating in Saturday’s grand final.
Team USA presented as a strong team throughout the week, winning the hotly-contested '21st Century Punch' challenge in Queenstown on Tuesday (Mar 23).
Saturday night’s winning drink was called ‘I have too much thyme on my hands right now at this point in my life’ and was made from 42 Below Pure vodka, apple bitters, lime thyme syrup and an artichoke aperitif.
Team France placed second, while local favourite Team New Zealand came in third.
2009 USA Bartender of the Year and judge Jim Meehan praised Team USA for being both confident and humble. "Their level of performance and presentation was amazing,” he said,
Saturday’s final was a spectacular Rock and Roll-themed event held at Wellington's old museum building. More than 550 people packed in to see the eight teams compete, as well as local rock band Midnight Youth perform.
The current tally of World Cup winners now stands at two victories each for USA, UK and Australia.