baby baby, sweet baby....Cocktail

This week started off with a bang!! I adventured into the creative, mesmerizing, palate tickling world of competition cocktails. A world I have to say before Monday I was not to familiar with, but after the adventure, I am hooked and interested in learning more.

Made With Love -  "Discovering what your city has to offer in terms of creative cocktails. The best bartenders in town showcase a creation and the public is the judge" How could I say no?  What a wonderful event (loved the name) and the idea of celebrating homemade cocktails created by local Nova Scotian talent. Made With Love

Not to mention the competition came with a great prize. The winner of Made With Love from Nova Scotia has the opportunity to travel to Toronto and compete nationally against the best cocktail shakers Canada has to offer.

The winner who took home gold and the glamorous opportunity to compete in Toronto is a locally known favorite from our very own Halifax operated restaurant The Bicycle Thief Jeff Van Horne. Jeff hails from Dartmouth but has worked at The Bicycle Thief from opening in 2011. I agreed with the judges and for these reasons. His cocktail had a perfect balance between sweet, savory and spicy. His drink also had a local component to it as he used Nova Scotia grown and handpicked apples. I am currently on the hunt for his recipe and details of his cocktail and inspiration for the drink. Please hold your breath in anticipation, I promise to further detail it soon.

I always find it amazing to see people who love what they do and decide to share their talent and passion with an audience. 

The cocktails at Made With Love were nothing but impressive. With competitors showcasing their savvy and creative minds we were tasting drinks infused with heather, edible flowers, flamed orange, muddled fruit, chillies and even dry ice. 

It would be great to see more events such as this pop up in Halifax. I suggest all you haligonians join in on the next one. 

Eat drink and enjoy!