Two up-and-Coming Denver Bartenders Fly to Las Vegas to Compete as Finalists in the “Battle of the Mixologists”

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tom’s Urban 24, the 24 hour “urban cuisine and cocktail” restaurant on the corner of 15^th and Larimer, is getting excited... and this time it is not over its famous Midnight Slopper or its award-winning “Fiscal Cliff” cocktail. The excitement is over two of its youngest bartenders going to Las Vegas to compete as finalists in the “Shake It Up” cocktail challenge.

“It’s such an honor to be participating in this national contest”

“It’s such an honor to be participating in this national contest,” said Chris Clewell, bartender at Tom’s Urban 24. “I’ve been playing around, mixing different ingredients and liquors for some time. It’s a lot of fun for me. When I heard of this competition, I knew I was going to give it my best shot and see what would happen.”

And that is what Chris and his fellow bartender friend, Les Baker did. They spent weeks experimenting with recipes and then submitted their best to the national bartender competition known as the Shake It Up! “Spirit of America” Cocktail Challenge. Of 500+ original applicants, it is now down to 30 who will be competing for the 2013 distinction of the Best Cocktail Recipe. Bartenders will need to demonstrate skill, flair and creative concoctions by presenting an original recipe to be judged by a panel of the nation's leading mixologists.

The event takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center Exhibit Hall, Main Stage on March 20, 2013. A panel of expert mixologists from around the world will judge the cocktail entries and narrow the field to a group of just five bartenders. These final five will be given a secret ingredient and then given only minutes to create a winning cocktail. The competition unfolds between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. that day.

When asked if Clewell could make the cocktail to try ahead of the competition, he replied, “I wish I could make it for you, but I need 4 days to just make the syrup that goes into my recipe.” He will need to travel with that special syrup in order to make his recipe in Las Vegas. “Nothing like pressure here. My girlfriend will be there and I’ve told all my family and friends. I need to do my best.”

About Tom’s Urban 24

Partners Rick Schaden and Tom Ryan founded Tom’s Urban 24 after being inspired by the uniqueness of urban cultures, food and corridors in great American cities. Destined to become an iconic downtown Denver landmark, Tom’s Urban 24 opened in October of 2012 and is the only place on Larimer Square to get urban cuisine and cocktails 24 hours a day. Sourced with over 30 Colorado food companies and produce farmers, Tom’s Urban 24 offers the best of everything – breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night, epic cocktails, comfort food and good company. Tom’s Urban 24 is located at 1460 Larimer Street and is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. For more information visit www.tomsurban24.com.

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