Last chance to be a cocktail champion

Time is running out for you to enter the De Kuyper Mix Factor Cocktail Competition.

De Kuyper, First Drinks Brands' cocktail liqueur range, is launching the search for the cocktail supremo of the bar and pub trade and entries are open to mainstream bars, pubs and bar chains nationwide.

However, you only have until March 3 to enter the competition (for more details see below)​

There's a £2000 prize fund up for grabs and a career-making opportunity to take part in the prestigious International De Kuyper Cup in Holland.

"Demand for cocktails in mainstream pubs and bars is on the rise and we think the time is right for an essential cocktail ingredient like De Kuyper, to support and drive this growth in mainstream outlets," said Lindsey Tier, De Kuyper group brand manager at First Drinks Brands.

The competition will be judged by a distinguished panel of experts including a representative of The Publican, an independent cocktail professional and De Kuyper.

A shortlist will be agreed based on an initial paper judging stage and the best entries will go through to two regional heats on 13 March (London) and 20 March (Manchester).

At this stage, contestants will be expected to make their cocktails in front of a panel of judges and four from each heat will be chosen to go through to the final in London on 24 April.

• The winner will receive £1000 and an all expenses paid trip to represent the UK in the International De Kuyper Cup in Holland in May 2006 against the world's best cocktail makers.

Winners of each UK heat receive a cheque for £500.

How to enter:​Submit an original and great tasting cocktail recipe of which at least half of the alcohol content is De Kuyper. It should be easy to make and work as a single serve and a pitcher.

Visit www.in-the-spirit.co.uk​ and click on Bartenders Cocktail Competition or call the De Kuyper Mix Factor Hotline on 0870 774 0707​ for an entry form.

Entry deadline March 3 2006​