Inaugural Cocktail Shakedown Title Goes to Ambassador Hotel Bartender

September 2, 2014
 
Inaugural Cocktail Shakedown Title Goes to Ambassador Hotel Bartender
 

ORA Cocktail Shakedown Champion Jeffrey Cole of the O Bar at the Ambassador Hotel OKC and runner up Keith Abernathy of Bellini's Ristorante celebrate alongside the event's Platinum Partners Tish Fidler, Fidler Marketing; Jim Hopper, OH&LA; Dewite Bennett, Monster; Marcus Tilley, Traditions Spirits; and Jason Mese, Dr. Pepper/Mr. & Mrs. T's. Not shown: Lisa Booth, Central Liquor
Jeffrey Cole of Ambassador Hotel in Oklahoma City took first place with his Yuzu Margarita in the first annual Oklahoma Restaurant Association Cocktail Shakedown at the Oklahoma Restaurant Convention & Expo on August 27, 2014.
 
Cole scored the highest number of total points in the first and second rounds of the competition, qualifying him to advance and compete in the Championship Round. 
 
All first round concoctions were made with Prairie Wolf Vodka, an Oklahoma distillery, and the second round drinks were made with Red Bull.
 
Cole's final concoction, in the Championship open round, earned him a $1,000 cash prize, the grand champion belt, a 48 inch smart TV, and additional prizes. 
 
Keith Abernathy of Bellini's Ristorante in Oklahoma City claimed second place and walked away with $500 and an iPad Mini.
 
“We are thrilled with the energy surrounding the competition as well as its success in year one,” said Patti Colley, ORA Director of Strategic Programs and Events. “We'd like to give a huge thanks to Marcus Tilley and the team from Traditions Spirits for their contributions, and look forward to the competition growing year after year, through a collaborative effort." 
 
Cole and Abernathy competed against six other Oklahoma mixologists from ORA member restaurants who put their skills and abilities to the test. As each mixologist lifted a shaker and created his or her requisite signature drinks, they were judged on taste and balance, originality, and drink and stage presentation. Other competing mixologists from Oklahoma City included Majda Alamoudi, The Max Retropub, Tulsa; April Carter, Joey's Pizzeria, Oklahoma City; JoDaniel Johnson, Western Concepts, Oklahoma City; Yousef Martines, Rococo Restaurant & Wine Bar, Oklahoma City; Nicole Wagner, Palladium Sports Lounge, Thackerville; and Larri White, The Hen Bistro & Wine, Tulsa.
 
Judges consisted of industry professionals Jason Ewald, Beverage Director for A Good Egg Dining Group; Leith Ezell, Vice President of Emerging Brands; and Christie Duane, Advertising Director for the Oklahoma Gazette. 
 
The Cocktail Shakedown was presented in partnership with Platinum Partners Traditions Spirits, Fidler Marketing, Central Liquor, Mr. & Mrs. T's, Monster Energy Drink, Red Bull, and Gold Partners Ben E. Keith Company and Tito's Vodka. Oneida, Red Bull, and Prairie Wolf Vodka were round partners. 

Click here to view photos from the 2014 Cocktail Shakedown.