A Lake District mixologist can give Tom Cruise a run for his money as a top cocktail bartender after being named as a finalist in a prestigious competition.
Lee Laskey, who works at Mizu-Pan Asian Restaurant at the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa in Keswick, entered Reyka Icelandic Vodka’s creative cocktail competition this summer.
He had to invent a cocktail recipe inspired by his favourite moment in nature and created The Spring Chorus.
Hundreds of entries from across the UK have now been whittled down into 24 finalists.
For the final, they will split into teams of six, representing the areas where they work. Lee will be part of the North team and they will have to create another unique cocktail using a mystery box of ingredients.
The winning team will win an all-expenses paid trip to Iceland in November.
Lee said The Spring Chorus was inspired by the transition of winter into spring, he said.
“At first, the cocktail showcases the Reyka Vodka front and centre with a nice undertone of herbal and honey sweetness.” Lee said.
“As the drink begins to develop, a melting rose water ice cube will introduce sweet floral notes into the drink, reminiscent of the first flower blooms of spring.
“The final few sips provide a sweet, velvety flavour brought on by lavender honey syrup which is designed to invoke memories of warm spring days.”
To celebrate Lee’s achievement, The Spring Chorus will be available in Mizu Pan-Asian Restaurant as a one-off special this month.
