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Calling All Bartenders: 2025 LRA Showcase Four Roses Bourbon Cocktail Competition
June 2, 2025
Call for Bartenders:
Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic” Cocktail Competition at the LRA Showcase 2025
Metairie, La. — Calling all cocktail creatives! The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) invites bartenders from across the state to enter the Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic” Cocktail Competition, taking place Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the LRA Showcase in New Orleans.
Presented by Four Roses Bourbon, in partnership with Republic National Distributing Company and the Louisiana Restaurant Association and supported by the Louisiana Office of Tourism and the Louisiana Libations Trail, this spirited showdown will feature 10 bartenders reimagining classic cocktails using the rich, layered flavors of Four Roses Bourbon.
Each competing bartender will receive a $200 stipend and the chance to win $1,000 (1st place) or $750 (runner-up).
During the event, each bartender will present their original creation live, engaging with attendees while being judged by an esteemed panel of industry professionals. Participation in the cocktail tasting is free with Showcase admission, and the crowd will have the chance to sample all 10 unique creations.
Competition Details:
Sunday, August 3, 2025
3:15 – 4:15 PM
New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Hall J
For more details or to enter the competition, visit www.lra.org/twist-on-a-classic or contact: Wendy Waren at communications@lra.org.
July 8, 2025
Meet the 10 Louisiana Bartenders Competing in the Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic” Cocktail Competition
Metairie, La. — The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is proud to announce the 10 finalists selected for the Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic” Cocktail Competition, happening Sunday, August 3 at the 2025 LRA Showcase in New Orleans.
 Presented by Four Roses Bourbon, in partnership with Republic National Distributing Company and produced by the Louisiana Restaurant Association, and supported by the Louisiana Office of Tourism and the Louisiana Libations Trail, this high-energy event will spotlight top bartenders from across the state as they reimagine timeless cocktails using Four Roses Bourbon.
Meet the competitors and their cocktails:
- Victoria Pisarello, Felipe's Taqueria – Backyard Sparkle
- Meagan Martin, Prejean's – Fig Easy
- Stephanie Katz, Pardo's – Summer Old World Old Fashioned
- Sheila Arndt, Restaurant Revolution – Four Roses Royal Espresso Martini
- Dina Bohn, Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse – Femme Fatale Old Fashioned
- Phillip Chilton, Le Moyne Bistro – Chanson Rosée Sour
- Ashalen Sims, Plates Restaurant & Bar – The Belle
- Ally O’Keefe, Bayou Bar – Double Feature
- Aurelie Konopka, Zea Rotisserie & Bar – Midnight Ember
- Andres Hoyos, Emeril's Brasserie – Down the Boulevard
Meet the judges (left to right):
- Christoph Dornemann, Head Bartender, Arnaud’s French 75
- Jennifer O’Blenis, President, United States Bartenders’ Guild
- Fred Holley, Event Guru, Republic National Distributing Company
Spectators can sample each cocktail, interact with bartenders, and cheer on their favorites. The event will be held at the LRA Showcase, Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 3:15 p.m. in Hall J of the Morial New Orleans Convention Center.
For more details or to enter the competition, visit www.lra.org/twist-on-a-classic or contact: Wendy Waren at communications@lra.org.
July 29, 2025
Don’t Miss the Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic”
Cocktail Competition at the LRA Showcase 2025
Metairie, La. — The Louisiana Restaurant Association’s annual LRA Showcase is back, and one of the hottest tickets in town is the Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic” Cocktail Competition, taking place Sunday, August 3 at 3:15 p.m. the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Hall J.
Presented by Four Roses Bourbon, alongside Republic National Distributing Company and the Louisiana Restaurant Association, and with support from the Louisiana Office of Tourism and the Louisiana Libations Trail, this spirited showdown promises an unforgettable experience for attendees.
 Here’s what to expect:
- 10 talented bartenders from across Louisiana presenting their original bourbon cocktails
- Free tastings of all 10 creations with Showcase admission
- Live interviews with bartenders as they mix, shake, and pour
- Judging by top experts in the beverage industry
- Branded giveaways: Cocktail shakers and jiggers (while supplies last)
 Competition Judges:
- Fred Holley – Republic National Distributing Company
- Jennifer O’Blenis – United States Bartenders’ Guild
- Christoph Dornemann – Arnaud’s French 75
 Schedule:  Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Hall J, New Orleans Morial Convention Center
For more details about the competition, visit www.lra.org/twist-on-a-classic or contact: Wendy Waren at communications@lra.org.
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August 6, 2025
Winners Announced:
Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic”
Cocktail Competition at LRA Showcase 2025Metairie, La. — The shaker tins have settled, the ice has melted, and the judges have spoken. The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is thrilled to announce the winners of the Four Roses Bourbon “Twist on a Classic” Cocktail Competition, held August 3 at the 2025 LRA Showcase in New Orleans.
Presented by Four Roses Bourbon, with support from Republic National Distributing Company, the Louisiana Restaurant Association, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, and the Louisiana Libations Trail, this competition featured 10 bartenders from across Louisiana, each bringing a unique spin on a classic bourbon cocktail.
First Place ($1,000): Phillip Chilton, Le Moyne Bistro – Chanson Rosée Sour
Inspired by the French dessert clafoutis, this modern take on a Whiskey Sour featured Four Roses Single Barrel, pistachio orgeat, cherry Heering, rose & hibiscus-infused aquafaba, and edible rosebuds.
Runner-Up ($750): Ally O’Keefe, Bayou Bar – Double Feature
All competitors received a $200 stipend and showcased remarkable creativity and craftsmanship. The competition was judged by a panel of industry leaders:
- Fred Holley, Event Guru, Republic National Distributing Company
- Jennifer O’Blenis, President, United States Bartenders’ Guild
- Christoph Dornemann, Head Bartender, Arnaud’s French 75
 Special thanks to our sponsors:
- Four Roses Bourbon – Title Sponsor
- Republic National Distributing Company – Presenting Partner
- Louisiana Restaurant Association – Event Producer
- Louisiana Office of Tourism & Louisiana Libations Trail – Supporting Sponsors
The LRA Showcase continues to serve as the Gulf South’s premier hospitality event, bringing together chefs, bartenders, restaurateurs, and industry leaders for two days of innovation, education, and inspiration.