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Mixing up local talent and cocktails

The annual Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery Mixoff takes place in Kelowna in November
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An ounce of Okanagan spirit, a touch of the valley’s wine and a dash of other local ingredients is a surefire way to mixup a delicious cocktail and come November that is exactly what nine Kelowna restaurants will be doing.

The 2017 Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery Mixoff will take place at the Laurel Packing House, where bartenders from around the region will test their cocktail making abilities to see who can stir up the best savoury sip.

Rowan Henderson is one of the bartenders competition, who has worked behind the bar in cities such as Toronto and Glasgow, Scotland.

Now in Kelowna, Henderson will be competing for Salted Brick — the first time the restaurant has entered the event.

“Toronto and Glasgow have already made their mark for the cocktail scene,” he said. “But Kelowna is a growing child, there are more and more people coming here and trying new things, working with some amazing chefs. Kelowna has an amazing culinary advantages, so this is a great experience to come out here and push boundaries to see what we can do.”

No stranger to competition Henderson has been mixing cocktails for six year, but he is still feeling some pressure about the Nov. 2 event.

“This event really showcases the great points of Kelowna, the wine industry alone here is booming it’s starting to compete with Napa Valley, some of the best wines I’ve tasted are coming from the Okanagan,” said Henderson.

Tickets are now on sale for the event along with special VIP tickets that includes a ride to and from the Laurel Packing House.


@Jen_zee
jen.zielinski@bpdigital.ca

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Jen Zielinski

About the Author: Jen Zielinski

Graduated from the broadcast journalism program at BCIT. Also holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science and sociology from Thompson Rivers University.
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