Check out these top mixologists ahead of Kelowna competition

After a three year wait, culinary enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs can rejoice.

The Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery Mixoff is making its long-awaited return.

Bartenders will engage in a spirited competition, striving to claim the coveted title of the 2023 Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery Mixoff Champion.

The two-part event sees a judged segment, where a panel of four judges assess the cocktails based on taste, appearance, simplicity, and how well it pairs with food. Then a second segment is open to the public, an opportunity for ticketholders to savour, deliberate, and cast their votes for their favorite cocktail and food pairing. Both a judges' and people's choice award are awarded.

“It really is the best of the best who end up competing," organizer Rosanne Ting-Mak Brown told Kelowna10 at a special media preview event. "And I think bartenders have a very competitive streak amongst them. They want to compete against each other. "

She said many in the bartending fraternity regard the competition as one of their favorite events of the year, and how they love getting together with their peers and to have it focused on the bartender and the chef.

The event highlights local food as well as the beverage scene in Kelowna.

“We encourage [the competitors] to use local wine and beer or cider in their cocktails as well to keep everything local,” Ting-Mak Brown explained. “That's really what Okanagan Spirit stands for, is being local. So, it's a good reflection of that.”

The Mixoff takes place Nov. 9 at the Laurel Packing House.

Tickets for the event can still be purchased online.

Check out the video to see two mixologists in action.