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[title]It was a showdown of skill, creativity and bartending brilliance at Time Out Market Boston’s first-ever Battle of the Bartenders on Sunday, March 23. Sixteen of the city’s most masterful mixologists took their spot behind the bar in a tournament-style contest, each vying for the top spot in a high-stakes, rum-fueled competition. The pressure was on as bartenders were challenged to create a Bacardi Rum-based cocktail incorporating a mystery ingredient (think: coconut cream and pimento dram) revealed at the start of each round.
By the final round, the competition became so fierce that the judges sent the last two standing back behind the bar for a sudden-death showdown. With the crowd on the edges of their seats, the two finalists pulled out all the stops, this time challenged to create a showstopping signature rum-based cocktail. In the end, it was Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar’s very own Peyton Sumner who walked away with the grand prize of $500 and the title of 'Boston’s Best Bartender', proving she had what it takes to claim the top spot in this clash of the cocktails
“Throughout the competition, I focused on staying true to Loco’s upbeat, fresh and fun style,” said Sumner. “When the bonus round came, I trusted my instincts and had some fun. I had been eyeing the cucumbers and was pretty excited to be able to make the judges one final drink behind the bar.”
Sumner’s winning cocktail was a refreshing and crushable cucumber and strawberry concoction that tasted like sunshine and white sand beaches somewhere in the tropics - perfect for the warmer weather just around the corner! Try it for yourself:
- 2 oz. Bacardi Superior white rum
- 1 oz. lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- 1 strawberry, muddled
- 2 cucumber slices, muddled
- Dash of banana liqueur
When asked how it felt to be named the first-ever winner of Time Out Market’s Battle of the Bartenders, Sumner said it came as a surprise, though it's an accomplishment she's very proud of.
“Winning felt great and was such an honor. I definitely wasn’t expecting it as I was up against some of the best bartenders in the city. However, I’m so thankful for my job at Loco Fenway for giving me the chance to compete, and for giving me the opportunity to get my foot in the door as a bartender. I get to do what I love with great friends every day.”