Averna Cocktail Contest - Sicily Adventure

Back in May, we wrote about the winners of the Averna Cocktail Contest. Two of the mixologist judges of this contest; Duggan Mcdonnell and Tad Carducci and the 5 lucky finalists are in Sicily now exploring the Averna world. Here is their update of the first day in the old country.

"We touched down in Catania, the plane packed more than full, bumping its way down the runway. It was so hot, we thought the tires might pop. The September Sicily air swelled, then scorched our skin. Outside, a bus we drove us north to Messina, where we went to catch a ferry to the Isle of Lipari for a brief respite before the touring and cocktail competition begins. Looking out at the hills and at Mt. Etna herself, it appeared that the colors and fauna of Sicily had more in common with Morocco and Mexico than Europe. Sicily is lionùs hide brown in color and rocky in texture, born from a volcano and sundried over thousands of years. It is this soil, and the Mediterranean that surrounds, that births the flavors of its food and drink: savory, bitter bright citrus and herbs, all salt and sea. It is fitting that Amari was born here. Even the soft drinks are bitter. Now, it is less than twenty four hours before all descend upon the Isle and the tour begins, and then competition to decide who the Averna Champion will be. I cannot wait." - Duggan Mcdonnell

Comments

[The Intoxicologist]

Hi there. Thank you for linking Duggan McDonnell's quote back to my article and site. Come back for a look at all sorts of cocktails, reviews and liquor info. Cheri - The Intoxicologist