DeKuyper(R) Crowns 2015 Cocktail Master

DEERFIELD, IL--(Marketwired - Dec 14, 2015) - DeKuyper®, the #1-selling line of domestic cordials, is thrilled to unveil the winner of its first national bartender challenge. Kicked off in September, bartenders across America were challenged to craft a signature DeKuyper cocktail and fans were asked to vote for their favorite creation.

Wowing cocktail enthusiasts, Dudley Delhagen of Redbank, New Jersey received the most votes, earning him the title of 2015 DeKuyper Cocktail Master. The perfect balance of sweet and smoky, Dudley's Smoked Blossom cocktail features DeKuyper's JDK & Sons™ Fleur Elderflower liqueur, which offers a fruity aroma and subtle hints of floral and tropical fruits.

"The DeKuyper Cocktail Challenge provides bartenders the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills for a national audience," said Brendan Lynch, Senior Marketing Director, Beam Suntory. "Dudley's passion for mixology shined through in his delicious winning cocktail, and fans agreed. With DeKuyper, the options are limitless, we look forward to seeing what Dudley will shake up next."

Throughout September, DeKuyper called upon talented and inventive bartenders in all 50 states to submit a short video highlighting their skills behind the bar using one of the over 70 cordial flavors from the DeKuyper portfolio. Submissions rolled in and were narrowed down to eight finalists before turning the final decision over to the fans who voted for their favorite bartender on http://www.DekuyperBartenderChallenge.com.

For his submission, Delhagen created the Smoked Blossom cocktail, which features DeKuyper's John DeKuyper & Sons™ Fleur Elderflower Liqueur mixed with Connemara® Irish Whiskey, and sweet and sour flavors from fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and orange bitters.

The Smoked Blossom
Created by Dudley Delhagen, 2015 DeKuyper® Cocktail Master
Ingredients:
1 part John DeKuyper & Sons™ Fleur Elderflower Liqueur
2 parts Connemara® Irish Whiskey
1/2 part Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 part Simple Syrup
2 dashes Orange Bitters

Method: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

"I couldn't be happier to represent DeKuyper, my home state of New Jersey, and creative bartenders across the country," said Delhagen. "DeKuyper's variety of flavors and versatility in cocktails made it easy to create a unique cocktail that fans would love. I'm proud of this recipe and excited to share it with other bartenders and home mixologists across the country!"

To learn more about the challenge, visit www.DeKuyperBartenderChallenge.com, and for a variety of other delicious cocktail recipes using DeKuyper cordials and liqueurs, visit www.TheCocktailProject.com. Or, connect with us at https://www.facebook.com/dekuyper and follow us on Instagram @DeKuyperCordials.

About DeKuyper® Cordials & Liqueurs
DeKuyper® is the #1-selling line of domestic cordials featuring over 70 mixable and versatile flavors of cordials, liqueurs, crèmes, brandies and schnapps in its family of products. Some DeKuyper® flavors have inspired the creation of cocktails and are now synonymous with those drinks. For example, in the mid-80s DeKuyper® Peachtree® Schnapps inspired the creation of the Fuzzy Navel, and in the mid-90s DeKuyper® Pucker® Sour Apple Schnapps inspired the creation of the Appletini. DeKuyper® was founded in Holland in 1695 by Johannes DeKuyper & Son and has been the brand to turn to for fresh and original liqueurs for more than 300 years.

About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world's third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher's, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

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