By The city of Trivandrum witnessed a spirited celebration of mixology on May 13th, as the UDS Group of Hotels hosted the second edition of the “Cocktail Live Contest” at the renowned Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel in Kovalam. This unique event was organized in honor of World Cocktail Day and brought together some of the finest bartenders, mixologists, and beverage artists from across Kerala. The contest was not only a showcase of individual talent but also a vibrant celebration of the culture and craftsmanship that defines modern mixology.
World Cocktail Day, observed globally on May 13th, commemorates the first written definition of a cocktail published in 1806 in The Balance and Columbian Repository, a New York-based tabloid. The publication famously defined a cocktail as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters,” laying the groundwork for what would become a cultural phenomenon in beverage history. Over time, this simple combination evolved into an art form, with countless variations, styles, and innovations developing around the world.
The event in Kovalam attracted top talent from Kerala’s most celebrated hotels, pubs, and nightlife venues. Participants arrived not only to compete but to connect, learn, and share their passion for cocktails. The atmosphere at the Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel was electric, charged with creativity, energy, and camaraderie. The contestants were given a platform to present their signature creations, each hoping to impress with originality, balance of flavors, visual appeal, and overall presentation.
A distinguished panel of judges was brought in to evaluate the participants. Joy, a graduate from Delhi University; Karthik, an expert in menu engineering and bar creativity; and Saravanan from the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology in Kovalam formed the jury. Their role was to assess each mixologist’s performance based on a structured set of parameters that included adherence to the rules, use of ingredients, innovation, technique, and the final presentation of the drink. The judging process was rigorous yet appreciative, focused not only on technical skill but also on the artistic and sensory experience created by each cocktail.
Speaking at the event, Raja Gopaal Iyer, CEO of UDS Group of Hotels, emphasized the deeper purpose behind the contest. He remarked that the event was far more than a competition; it was a conscious effort to offer mixologists from the hospitality industry a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their talents and elevate the art of cocktail-making to a wider audience. His vision was to create a platform that honors skill, encourages innovation, and fosters a sense of pride and recognition among those who make a career in this field.
The contest concluded with the announcement of the winners. Ajith, representing Gokulam Grand in Trivandrum, claimed the first prize, receiving a cash award of ₹25,000, a special gift hamper, and a certificate recognizing his achievement. The second prize was awarded to Prathyusha from Booyah in Cochin, who walked away with ₹15,000 in cash along with a hamper and certificate. The third prize was presented to Mudhu Murthy from Hycinth, who was awarded ₹5,000, a gift hamper, and a certificate. All other participants received certificates of participation in recognition of their skill and effort, reinforcing the inclusive and appreciative spirit of the contest.
The event drew a diverse and enthusiastic crowd that included representatives from the travel and tourism sector, hotel guests, members of hospitality and airline associations, as well as professionals from beverage companies and food manufacturing industries. The vibrant gathering served as a melting pot of industry stakeholders and enthusiasts, all coming together to celebrate mixology as an integral aspect of contemporary hospitality culture.
The primary aim of the Cocktail Live Contest, as emphasized by the organizers, is to recognize and encourage the talent, expertise, and creativity of hospitality professionals in the field of mixology. The event was held in a responsible and respectful manner, with the clear intention not to promote alcohol consumption or endorse any specific beverage brands, but to uplift the artistic and technical skill involved in crafting the perfect cocktail.
To understand the significance of this celebration, it is essential to look at the historical journey of cocktails. The origins of the cocktail as a drink can be traced back to 19th-century Britain, but it was in America that it truly flourished. A key turning point came with the publication of The Bartender’s Guide by Connecticut-born bartender Jerry Thomas, often hailed as the father of American mixology. His book served as a comprehensive manual for mixing drinks and became an essential resource for generations of bartenders.
The cocktail culture evolved dramatically during the 1920s American Prohibition era, a time when high-quality alcohol was scarce and underground speakeasies became the norm. Creative bartenders began crafting cocktails to mask the harsh taste of illegally produced spirits. Iconic drinks such as the Mojito, Sidecar, Tom Collins, and the Bee’s Knees emerged during this period and continue to be beloved classics. The Bee’s Knees, in particular, was designed to sweeten and soften the taste of “bathtub gin” using honey and lemon.
After Prohibition ended, the cocktail world experienced a renaissance. In 1954, the now-famous Pina Colada was created by Ramon Marrero at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in Puerto Rico. Later, in 1988, Toby Cecchini popularized the Cosmopolitan in San Francisco, adding yet another chapter to the ever-expanding cocktail legacy.
One of the enduring symbols of post-Prohibition glamour and sophistication was New York’s Rainbow Room. First opened in 1934, the Rainbow Room quickly became a haven for celebrities and socialites. Its 1987 reopening marked a pivotal moment in cocktail history, when master mixologist Dale DeGroff curated a menu of pre-Prohibition cocktails, sparking a revival that helped shape the modern cocktail renaissance.
The Cocktail Live Contest at Kovalam was a continuation of this grand tradition—a celebration of heritage, a platform for innovation, and a testament to the enduring appeal of cocktails. It was a reminder that mixology is not merely about pouring drinks, but about storytelling, creativity, and cultural expression—crafted, shaken, stirred, and served with flair.
