JILL ACHIEVES SWEET SUCCESS

Candy Kitchen and Bar’s Jill Newton has really shaken things up in the mixology scene.

The 20-year-old scooped first place at a top national cocktail-making competition – despite it being her first ever event and only having one day to prepare.

She will now be jetting off to the Puerto Rico in September to pit her skills against some of the world’s highly trained and respected mixologists.

Jill admits her success in the Scottish heat of the renowned Worldwide Sputnik Competition has taken her entirely by surprise.

Jill, of Cannonmills, Edinburgh, said:

“I came into work and was told that the Sputnik competition was the next day and that my name had been put forward to compete on behalf of Candy Kitchen and Bar.

“That left me very little time to prepare, but to be perfectly honest I have not spent a huge amount of time mastering the skill of mixology. I am still very much learning, so to win a competition like this is absolutely fantastic.”

Jill, who has worked at Candy for the past two years, decided to stick to a classic Sputnik cocktail of Sputnik vodka, violet liqueur, lemon juice and sugar syrup with six muddled grapes.

Jill, originally of Glasgow, said:

“I decided to keep my cocktail simple but with a girly twist. I think I might have been the only one not to use a flavoured Sputnik vodka and it obviously went down well with the judges.

“I really enjoy mixology and it is a fantastic skill to have. It is something that can open a lot of doors around the world.

“Next year when I complete my drama degree I will need to make a decision about whether or not I want to pursue a career in acting or mixology; but for now I’m enjoying developing my skills in both fields.”

Candy Kitchen and Bar has an extensive cocktail list. The restaurant and bar recently underwent a £90,000 refurbishment, as well as an overhaul to its food and drink menus.

It now offers fifteen cocktails, served in earthenware jugs, and a selection of fruit smoothies, alcoholic coffees and shooters.

Jamie McComb, General Manager at Candy Kitchen and Bar, said:

“We are all extremely proud of Jill. With very little notice or preparation she waltzed in and cinched the win – she is a natural.

“With the transformation of Candy Kitchen and Bar we are delighted to be putting a lot more focus on good quality drinks and great mixology.

“We wish Jill the best of luck in Puerto Rico.”

Candy Kitchen and Bar is run by the Montpelier group which is renowned for cocktails throughout its eight cutting-edge venues in Edinburgh.