Original Sin's Thomas Loosil wins Copper to Canvas cocktail competition

Thomas Loosil from Original Sin bar in London's Stoke Newington has been crowned winner of Ketel One Vodka's Copper to Canvas cocktail competition.

Diageo Reserve's premium vodka brand Ketel One challenged seven bartenders to create a cocktail inspired by artwork from artists in residence at Sarabande Studios.

Named after Alexander McQueen's 2007 spring/summer collection, Sarabande was established by the late Lee Alexander McQueen to support artists and designers with scholarships to leading art and design universities, subsidised studios and a programme of events.

The bartenders, who were chosen for their love for art and design by Ketel One Vodka brand ambassador Kate Jackson, took inspiration for their serves from Sarabande's annual group show. The panel of judges consisted of Jackson, Sarabande artist Saelia Aparicio, and Sarabande founding trustee Trino Verkade.

The three finalists were Loosil, Eva Rudatis from Hide and Kyle Jones of East London Liquor Co. The final ‘mystery' round tasked the finalists to create a cocktail based on a millinery-themed installation by Jo Miller and Leo Carlton.

Loosil was victorious for his serve, ‘note to self', consisting of Ketel One Vodka, avocado washed Bianco vermouth, mastic with orange blossom foam and four drops of coloured absinthe. As part of his prize, Loosil will be taking a trip to the Netherlands to attend King's Day 2019 for a full Ketel One Vodka brand immersion.

He said: "I'm really excited to be travelling to Amsterdam for King's Day in April. The other bartenders competing were very talented and everyone came up with incredibly creative serves so to win is such a huge honour."

Daniel Warren named Diageo Reserve World Class GB Bartender of the Year >>

Get The Caterer every week on your smartphone, tablet, or even in good old-fashioned hard copy (or all three!).