First Main Street Cup Showcased Neighbourhood Mixologists

One of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Main Street has more than its share of unique bars and restaurants – and talented bartenders. Five establishments recently competed in the very first Main Street Cup cocktail competition, and a great time was had by all.

The challenge, sponsored by Mount Gay Rum and organized by Justin Taylor, Cascade Room’s General Manager, featured host venue The Cascade Room, El Camino’s, The Five Point, Nomad, and the Shameful Tiki Room.

All the bartenders created an innovative cocktail using Mount Gay Eclipse Rum. Industry judges Talia Kleinplatz, Mike Shum, and Reed Pettit picked the Judges’ Choice winner, while the audience voted for the coveted People’s Choice award. More about the winners a bit later – but here’s a photo montage of how the competition unfolded.

First up, Mitchell Williams and Dave Yates from El Camino’s. Their cocktail – Rum DMC.

El Camino's was first up at the Main Street Cup competition — El Camino’s was first up at the Main Street Cup competition

El Camino's Mount Gay cocktail entry for the Main Street Cup — El Camino’s Mount Gay cocktail entry – Rum DMC

Nomad’s two Matts – Van Dinther and Benevoli – presented the Alleyne Sling.

Matt Van Dinther and Matt Benevoli presented the Main Street Cup judges with the Alleyne Sling

Nomad's Alleyne Sling — Nomad’s Alleyne Sling

The Shameful Tiki Room’s Shea Hogan presented the Bajan Persuasion.

The Shameful Tiki Room's Shea Hogan created the Bajan Persuasion for the Main Street Cup — The Shameful Tiki Room’s Shea Hogan created the Bajan Persuasion for the Main Street Cup

Next up – The Cascade Room’s own Galen Linnett and Horatio’s Right Hook.

The Cascade Room's Galen Linnett paid homage to Admiral Nelson in the making of his Main Street Cup cocktail — The Cascade Room’s Galen Linnett paid homage to Admiral Nelson in the making of his Main Street Cup cocktail

The Cascade Room's Horatio's Right Hook cocktail — The Cascade Room’s Horatio’s Right Hook cocktail

And last but not least – the wacky duo of Charlie Knowles and Kei Amemyia from The Five Point and their Last Minute Vacation cocktail.

Charlie Knowles and compete in the Main Street Cup for the Five Point — Charlie Knowles and Kei Amemyia compete in the Main Street Cup for the Five Point

The Five Point's Last Minute Vacation — The Five Point’s Last Minute Vacation cocktail

And at the end of the evening – who won? Nomad’s Alleyne Sling got the nod as Judges’ Choice and Matt Benevoli and Matt Van Dinther received their coveted Mount Gay jackets.

Nomad's Matt Van Dinther and Matt Benevoli don their Mount Gay jackets as the first Judges' Choice winners of the Main Street Cup competition — Nomad’s Matt Van Dinther and Matt Benevoli don their Mount Gay jackets as the first Judges’ Choice winners of the Main Street Cup cocktail competition

Meanwhile, the people spoke – and the winner of the People’s Choice award went to Admiral Galen Linnett of the Cascade Room and his Horatio’s Right Hook cocktail. The Main Street Cup will have a place of honour on their bar for the next six months until the next round.

Host The Cascade Room and Galen Linnett took possession of the Main Street Cup as the People's Choice — Host The Cascade Room and Galen Linnett took possession of the Main Street Cup as the People’s Choice

It was a great night of competition and camaraderie. I can’t wait for Main Street Cup 2.0.

In the meantime, here’s the Judges’ Choice recipe for you to try.

The Alleyne Sling

60ml Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
15ml Port (Taylor Fladgate)
17.5 ml Lime Juice
22.5 ml Mauby Bark/Pastis Falernum Syrup
1ml Rootbeer Plum bitters (Bittered Sling)

Shake all ingredients, strain into a soda charger. Carbonate, pour over ice and top with crouched ice.

Garnished with tropical flower, mauby bark, toasted coconut chips & banana leaf