The Angostura Cocktail challenge took place at the new Blackbird Public House and Oyster Bar yesterday. The Donelli group took over the space previously occupied by The Keg Caesars. The menu featured cocktails inspired by the iconic Angostura Bitters.

For those not familiar with the brand, the bitters were first produced in the town of Angostura in Venezuela in 1824 (hence the name). The bottle is easily recognisable by its distinctive over-sized label. Made with a mix of alcohol and spices, the exact formula is closely guarded, with only five people in the word who know the recipe. The challenge was to create cocktails which key ingredients included Angostura Bitters.

Representing Toronto: Shane Mulvany and Simon Hooper.

From Calgary Colin Tait

And Vancouver’s own Dale Styner.

The food also had Angostura Bitters as a key ingredient. There was a meatloaf that was to die for, and a sauce that made a pizza sing. You can find some food recipes on their website.

Each bartender had 7 minutes to prepare two cocktails for the judges. The crowd also had a chance to vote for their favourite mixologist to be crowned people’s choice.

In the end, it was Shane Mulvany who won the top prize of $5000 and a trip to Trinidad for the 2014 Angostura Bitters Global Cocktail Challenge.  His drink: The Brian Lara Swizzle. This tasty cocktail had a combination of Angostura Aromatic Bitters, Angostura 5yr. rum, carrot and lime juices, orange sherbet and cardamom syrup.

Follow Angostura Bitters on Twitter: @AngosturaCanada and check out this video of last night’s event.