A Muddled Thought

A nationwide search unveils Sanders as the next big thing in American bartending.

NEW YORK – September 1 – Bombay Sapphire® and GQ Magazine are proud to announce Christian Sanders as America’s next bartending hero and a new face to watch in the cut-throat US mixology scene. By flaunting his innovative and exciting “Green Sour Hour,” Sanders has secured the chance to be featured alongside his signature cocktail in GQ’s December 2009 – Men of The Year issue. Sanders came together with 39 other bartenders from around the country at the Palms in Las Vegas, where all were judged on originality, presentation, flavor and taste of their signature gin cocktails by Bacardi’s Giles Woodyer, Bombay Sapphire’s Global Mixologist, Merlin Griffiths, Style Correspondent Brett Fahlgren, for GQ magazine, and world-renowned mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim.

For the third summer in a row, bartenders from all 50 states have participated in the quest to find the most inspired cocktail, all using Bombay Sapphire gin. A team of Bombay Sapphire Master Mixologists embarked on a gin odyssey across America back in April, to discover new gin drinks from a new generation of skilled bartenders. Bombay Sapphire Master Mixologist, James Moreland shares, “This year we saw enormous talent and creative cocktailing from participants coast to coast. The cocktails this year were more balanced, sophisticated, and elegant than ever before. The big take-home trend: large amounts of veggies and herbs getting juiced, muddled, and infused.” The Green Sour Hour in particular uses celery juice, dill paste, and Himalayan black salt which perfectly complement the signature 10 botanicals found in Bombay Sapphire’s recipe.

According to Giles Woodyer, Vice President, Brand Managing Director, Bombay Sapphire, “We are proud to continue our support for uncovering the latest grass-roots talent in mixology and Christian Sanders fits the bill perfectly. We look forward to showing off and sharing his cocktail flair with Bombay Sapphire fans around the country!”

About Bombay Sapphire®
Bombay Sapphire® is the fastest growing premium gin in the world and world’s number one premium gin by value. Bombay Sapphire is created with a unique combination of ten hand-selected botanicals, sourced from around the globe. The brand’s global essence and signature vapor infusion process impart a refined and perfectly balanced taste, versatile enough for both classic cocktails and exotic recipes. A leader among gins, Bombay Sapphire is a symbol of the exploration of worldly and sophisticated lifestyles. For more information, please explore www.bombaysapphire.com.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.
Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import, sales and marketing arm of one of the world’s leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including Bacardi® rum, the world’s number-one selling rum; Grey Goose® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; Dewar’s® blended Scotch whiskies, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; Bombay Sapphire® gin, the top-valued and fastest-growing premium gin in the spirits industry; Cazadores® blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; Martini and Rossi® vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.
GQ Magazine is the leading men’s general-interest magazine with a monthly readership of 6.4 million readers. The magazine is published by Condé Nast Publications.

The Green Sour Hour

1 ½ parts Bombay Sapphire
1/3 part Galliano liqueur
½ part Lemon Juice
½ part Triple Sec
1 part Celery Juice
1 thumbnail Dill Paste
2 dashes of Orange Bitters
Salt half the rim with a cracked black pepper and Himalayan sea salt
Discard all ingredients into a Boston Shaker
Add ice to the top and shake vigorously for 5-10 seconds
Double Fine strain & garnish with a fine strain of Dill Sprig

Christian Sanders winning cocktail, The Green Sour Hour.