Are the cocktails in Helsinki better than in Tallinn?

Lately, an unusual contest was held between Tallinn and Helsinki: which of the cities serves better cocktails. According to certain information www.worldsbestbars.com, the representative of Helsinki was outright the best bar in the world – A21. The contestant for Tallinn was Cocktail Catering.

The competition took place on two consecutive days at A21 in Helsinki and at Vertigo in Tallinn.

The tops of both cities turned out to be tough competitors. The judgement was not passed by a confined range of referees, but everyone on site could express their opinions. The world’s best performed according to its title, but Tallinn did not remain behind a lot!

Niko Autti poured the cocktails for Helsinki. He also called Timo Siitonen for assistance in Tallinn. Two cocktails were prepared for the competition: Red Grape Road and Spirited Lemon.

The first one is a grape drink with a mild taste. Mostly the taste of alcohol or just sweetness dominates the cocktails. The top-end cocktails are similar to foods in restaurants with the Michelin stars. The tastes are pure and natural. Red Grape Road tasted like juice with an “amplified” grape taste.

Bitterness is surely the most unpleasant one of the four basic tastes perceived by the human being. The admirers of bitterness are as though some sort of masochists. However, like a fire that warms and does not burn when handled skilfully, a bitter taste can be pleasant and pleasing. Exactly such was the Spirited Lemon.

Kristo Tomingas was the cocktail master to represent Tallinn in Helsinki. In Tallinn, he paired up with Heinar Õispuu. Kristo’s first cocktail, Water Bird should definitely be worthy of the title of the most beautiful cocktail of the competition. Unfortunately, such a title was not given to anyone, but the drink provoked curiosity in a way.

The taste corresponded with the appearance. Mild and quenched thirst.

The second drink, Spring Heart was in harmony with the first one. Similarly mild and quenched thirst, except that the taste of watermelon was dominated by cucumber. A long winter makes you long for fresh tastes.

The competition cocktails were something completely different from the usual cocktails served in the cocktail menus of both towns’ bars. Both Niko Autti (on the left) and Kristo Tomingas are involved in training other barmen. The world champions of barmen and baristas are in Tallinn, but must you go to London or Berlin to enjoy a good cocktail?

Actually, there are only 2–3 bars with a really good menu in Helsinki. As to the rest of them, it is not important in which city they are located!

The bar customers are amazingly little interested in what they drink. In order to change something, someone must take interest. Many thanks to the representatives of the trademark Dansukker in Estonia and Finland for organising a thoughtful event!