Chatham Bartender's Creation Comes In Third At Statewide Competition

CHATHAM, N.J. - Anyone who dines and drinks at Restaurant Serenade in Chatham can now say they’re being served by one of the state’s best.

John Jansma, a bartender at the restaurant, recently competed at the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association’s “Mixologist of the Year” Competition held at Jack Baker’s Lobster Shanty in Point Pleasant Beach.

Jansma competed against 20 other bartenders from around the state and his “Alone Together” drink came in third place overall.

The drink, served in a snifter, contained dried juniper berries, Campari, Courvoisier V.S.O.P., orange bitters, and an orange twist.

The event was sponsored by Gaur Spice Whiskey and participants were asked to make a drink using only the official liquor and six other ingredients. Drinks were judged on taste, creativity, and presentation by a panel of respected mixologists from around New Jersey. The was the event’s sixth year.

Photos Courtesy lifeasfineart.com.