Coffee In Good Spirits
The 2024 Coffee in Good Spirits Competition will be hosted by Restaurants Canada at the RC Show in Toronto, Ontario, April 8-10th!
Hit the links below to compete, judge, or volunteer.
Overview
SCA – Coffee in Good Spirits in 10 Steps
1. What is the Coffee in Good Spirits competition?
It’s an annual event that brings together the incredible worlds of the barista and the bartender. The event incorporates both the strict tradition of the classic Irish Coffee as well as the rampant creativity and innovation of the craft cocktail.
2. Format
2 rounds – a preliminary round & a final round. At the Canadian CIGS Championship, we will only be running the final round and not the preliminary round.
3. Preliminary Round
2 components – Spirit Bar & Stage Presentation
4. Spirit Bar
Competitors will spin the liquor-wheel and receive a randomly selected liquor to use. Once the liquor has been selected, they will have 5 minutes of preparation time and 6 minutes of performance time.
Competitors will make 2 identical coffee-based alcoholic beverages to the judges, using any coffee or brewing method, and additional ingredients (barring any illegal substances).
5. Stage Presentation
Each competitor has 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to compete, in which time they will create: 2 identical hot/warm drinks coffee-based alcoholic designer beverages and 2 identical cold coffee-based alcoholic designer beverages. The official World Coffee Events sponsor will supply the alcohol.
In the stage presentation, competitors must use the provided espresso machine and grinder to produce EITHER the hot/warm drink or the cold drink. Competitors are free to use any brewing method for their other beverage course.
6. Final Round
Each competitor has 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to compete, in which time they will create: 2 identical hot/warm or cold coffee-based alcoholic designer beverages and 2 identical hot/warm Irish coffees. If a sponsor exists, the event host will supply the alcohol for the designer beverage.
In the final round, competitors are free to use any brewing method, however they must use the sponsored grinder in the competition area.
7. Irish Coffee
In the provided glass, competitors will use coffee, whisky, sugar, and dairy cream to create a hot/warm beverage with a balance of the ingredients.
6. Judges
Spirit Bar – 3 judges (2 x Spirit Bar judge, 1 x head judge)
Stage Presentation – 4 judges (2 x taste judges, 1 x visual/technical judge, 1 x head judge)
Final Round – 4 judges (2 x taste judges, 1 x visual/technical judge ,1 x head judge)
7. Taste Everything
Dive into some serious research and palate development in both the coffee and cocktail world. Try traditional pairings, try unique pairings, try it all (in moderation, obviously). Look to the classics and look to the custom menus, you’ll find amazing and interesting flavour pairings, as well as interesting patterns.
8. Ask the Experts
If you’re a great barista and you already feel confident working with coffee, find some amazing bartenders and learn from them. If you’re a great bartender and you already feel confident working with cocktails, find some amazing baristas and learn from them.
9. Get Inspired
Find something that makes you feel passionate, good, excited, inspired and really own it. Past competitors have found inspiration from a very wide range –from children’s books and seasons, to global warming – it’s up to you to find your unique angle.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice on your own, practice with coworkers, practice with friends and family, practice with bartenders, practice with baristas, and get feedback from everyone.
Helpful Links:
https://www.perfectdailygrind.com/2016/07/5-winning-coffee-good-spirits-championship-performances/
https://sprudge.com/the-coffee-in-good-spirits-championship-a-primer-138559.html
https://www.baristamagazine.com/recipes-coffee-good-spirits/