The Brighton Mix Off competition

Andrew Kay is cock-a-hoop about being asked once again to judge the Brighton Mix Off

Hello, my name is Andrew Kay and I’m an… no, hang on a minute, I don’t think I have a drink problem, well not a huge one anyway. To be honest, my alcohol consumption is irregular to say the least. Sometimes I drink a lot, and then I hardly touch a drop for weeks. In which case I guess I am a binge drinker – you simply can’t win.

“Hello, my name is Andrew Kay and I’m…”

Speaking of winning, I am delighted, once again, to be involved with Mixology Group and their Brighton Mix Off competition. I have been a judge for such cocktail competitions for a long time now and love the whole thing. And when I say that in the heats we only ever have tiny sips it is the truth, well at least until the judging is over. Only then I will indulge in a dirty martini or a negroni.

This year the competition is presented by the Mixology Group and Kraken Spiced Rum in association with Latest TV, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, 7 year old Havana Club and Tuaca! Well let’s face it, would it be Brighton without Tuaca?
The fun thing this year is that entrants are posting themselves, on video on a Youtube page (www.youtube.com/user/brightonmixoff and use the password ‘bobbydarin’) and you the public can go in there and take a look and vote for your favourites. It means that I don’t get to spend six weeks sipping cocktails (boo) but it does mean that you can all get involved.

The theme is La Mer and for the final it takes over the Sea Life Brighton aquarium for one night on Saturday 15 September from 7pm–10pm with a head-to-head shake off featuring the final mixologists.

Sea Life re-opened this spring following a multimillion pound refurbishment which has including stunning light installations and the new Jellyfish Experience. You’ll be able to explore this unique venue as you sample, and buy cocktails for just £3.50, from our themed bars and vote for your favourites using the tip-tokens.

Latest TV will be there to film and the winning mixologist will win a professional film of their winning entry made by Latest TV.

Advance tickets* £12 (including three sample tickets for the bars) can be booked at www.brightonfoodfestival.com – Latest readers receive a 20% discount when they book online and enter the promo code ‘Latest’. Limited £16 may be available on the door on the night.