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BEIRUT: In the final round of Diageo Lebanons World Class bartending competition at Iris Beach Club, six mixologists combined creativity and precision for a chance at the coveted title of Lebanons best bartender. In the end, ingredients straight from traditional Lebanese cooking held true when Jad Ballouts fattoush cocktail caught the eyes of the judges. An unconventional blend of tomato, cucumber, sumac and Ketel One vodka, served with crispy bread on the side, the unique drink secured Ballout a spot in the international competition.

Ballout has since returned from the Diageo World Class Finals. Though he didnt bring a title home, Ballout told The Daily Star the competition was a life-changing event and has opened new doors for the young mixologist.

Ballout studied hospitality management at the American University of Science and Technology, and pictured himself in a career behind the bar. As a child he aspired to become a chef, but soon discovered a knack for mixing up delicious beverages and decided to make a living out of his passion for cocktails, he said.

Ballout stepped into the business at Club Social, where his natural instincts for drinks soon saw him promoted to the position of bartender. He then worked at a series of restaurants, nightclubs and cocktail bars, honing his skills and developing his classically inspired signature drinks.

Despite his newfound glory, the road was a little bumpy, he said. Ballout smiled as he recalled a disastrous competition where a shaker slipped through his fingers in the final seconds of the round. I had finished the presentation, the drink, and then I dropped the shaker. It was bad, I definitely didnt win that one, he laughs.

But the hard work got Ballout to Diageo World Class Finals: several grueling rounds against more than 40 of the worlds top bartenders. This years competition was held on a weeklong cruise touring Nice, St. Tropez, Barcelona, Cannes, Monaco and Ibiza.

It was a great experience. I met like 44 bartenders, each from a different country and from a different bartending culture, he said. Each day was different. The first five days, I didnt sleep and I didnt really eat, we were waking up at 6 a.m. to start preparing for the two challenges.

During the cruise, Diageo treated the competitors to events at some of the party capitals of the world. They got tickets to see international DJ David Guetta and VIP treatment in Ibiza, he said.

While winning the international round would be the ultimate title for any bartender, Ballout considered participating in the prestigious event an honor in itself.

His experience has given his career a major boost and international exposure. His name and biography are now posted all over the Internet, on trade publications and Diageos website. Diageo is also publishing a book of all the 2013 finalists.

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Beirut’s top mixologist returns with new doors open