Craft Cocktail Competition Guidelines for Austin SpeedRailz 2025 | Empress Gin Tom Collins Riff

Описание: Join the SpeedRailz community for free → https://www.speedrailz.info
Venues & sponsors: Partner with SpeedRailz or book media services → [email protected]
Follow SpeedRailz on Instagram →   / speedrailz  


In this video, we take you behind the scenes of the SpeedRailz Austin competition with a deep dive into the craft cocktail portion led by two industry veterans:
• Zach Finney – Beverage Director at Pinballz, longtime SpeedRailz educator, and serial craft cocktail competitor.
• Wyn Vita – Brand Ambassador for Empress Gin, sharing spirit knowledge, brand history, and tips for competitors.

This workshop covered everything competitors need to know to succeed in the SpeedRailz craft cocktail portion, which counts for 50% of their overall score. Zach and Wyn break down:
• The competition format: creating riffs on a Tom Collins with Empress Gin as the star.
• How the judging rubric works (written entry, presentation, aroma, flavor, finish, and creativity).
• Tips for maximizing points, from ingredient cohesion to storytelling and sponsored spirit integration.
• Q&A highlights from competitors on flavored sodas, presentation, and local ingredient sourcing.
• Wyn’s detailed education on Empress Gin: from its Victoria, BC origins and tea service inspiration, to its unique botanicals like butterfly pea flower and flavor-driven expressions (Indigo, Elderflower Rose, Cucumber Lemon).

For casual viewers and cocktail enthusiasts, this video also serves as a unique chance to learn about Empress Gin’s history, how to approach cocktail competitions, and what judges look for when evaluating bartenders at the highest level.

⸻

Key Takeaways
• Empress Gin offers three unique expressions (Indigo, Elderflower Rose, Cucumber Lemon), each with distinct advantages for competitors.
• The SpeedRailz craft cocktail portion requires both technical skill and storytelling ability.
• Competitors must balance flavor, creativity, and presentation while showing why Empress Gin is essential to their cocktail.
• Written entries and live presentations are judged equally — preparation, clarity, and creativity are key.
• Beyond competition, this workshop highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and education in hospitality.