August 1, 2010 – More than 100 guests gathered at Base Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel to watch Chicago’s top bartenders mix up their best Tanqueray® & Tonic with a twist. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and complimentary grooming services from Halo for Men.

A panel of six judges sampled the competing drinks to determine winners in the categories of best bar, pub, and tavern; best national chain, hotel, and fine dining; and best mixology and cocktail venue. Of those three winners, Josh Pearson of Sepia was chosen as the overall winner, Chantelle Pabros of Chizakaya Japanese Pub was awarded second place overall, and Rudy Matic of McCormick & Schmick’s Gold Coast received third place overall.