Earlier this week I attended the World Class South Africa mixology competition at 15 on Orange. To fill you in, it’s a global competition to find the world’s best cocktail chef. SA had six peeps in the running and the winner turned out to be Brent Perremore from Asoka in Kloof Street, Cape Town.

As for the party, it had a 1920’s theme. I didn’t dress up as I’d come directly from a dinner with friends but My Love Affair with Cape Town’s Karis Piss made an effort.

I was also impressed with All4Women’s Rebecca Dodd’s get up:

But ja, getting back to the competition… this involved the different mixologists whipping up their cocktails live on stage for a panel of judges that included Jen Su and her seriously hot pink Louis Vuitton handsakkie.

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While only the judges got to the taste the competing cocktails, guests were treated to four other very interesting drinks created by Nick Koumbarakis (also known as The Alchemist), the mastermind behind those you’ll find at The Orphanage. My favourite was The Jubilee, a mix of spiced berry cordial, Earl Grey-infused Ciroc Vodka, hints of citrus and cranberry foam.

Check out the cool ‘steaming’ tea pots they used to serve it:

The best bit?  It was served with the most revolting-sounding yet absurdly delicious macaroon ever. It had a strong apple flavour and the creamy bit inside was sweet yet salty thanks to the infusion of… wait for it… bacon! Yes, you heard me… a bacon and apple macaroon!

Food stylist Sam Linsell was also impressed, agreeing that it was so wrong yet so good. You know, like when you got drunk and made out with your totally hot cousin*.

Other kiff canapés included this mini pie thing that came with a dropper full of chocolate sauce!

I didn’t actually try but wish I had. Like I said, I’d arrived from a girlie catch-up dinner and was aboslutely stuffed, having eaten an enormous naan bread the size of my torso. This is also why I reeked of garlic so here’s an apology to all who had to endure me…

Anyhoo, after a getting our fill of  crazy cocktails, I made my way home via a fun li’l photoshoot with KP and Omesh in the hotel’s lift. It’s super big and features a huge gold chair that we christened the ‘Ferrero Rocher love seat’ ‘cos, if you’re blind drunk, it totally looks like that.

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A big dankie to Galia and the girls from Greater Than PR who put the party together; thanks for a fun night out. Also, best of luck to cocktail king Brent; he’ll be competing in the World Class finals in Brazil next month, I hope your drinks kick ass and that you bring the title home to SA.

Love, love

Leigh

*Relax dad, I’m totally joking. Promise.