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Creating the ultimate drink is a serious business for the 13 mixologists who gathered in London to challenge for the title of the UK's best bartender, but there could only be one cocktail champion, with Erik Lorincz of The Connaught taking first place.

Masterchef's John Torode and Gregg Wallace were two of the judges at the finals of World Class 2010, the Oscars of the bartending world, a day-long trial testing bartending knowledge, mixology and a challenge where they had 20 minutes to create two new concoctions from a selection of mystery ingredients.

As the contenders were whittled down, Erik went head to head in a mix-off with Stephen Martin from Ricks in Edinburgh, Scotland, where they each created their final bespoke cocktail.

And Erik's creation Rising to the Sky, made with Tanqueray No TEN gin, won over the judging panel, which also included TV Mixologist Andy Pearson, and Simon Difford, author of cocktail publication Diffordsguide. He'll now go on to compete in the World Class Global Final, taking place next month in Athens, representing the UK.

John Torode said, 'I've been totally blown away by the skill of the bartenders in this final. Their creations have truly shown that a great barperson needs to be as creative and skilful as a leading chef. Erik was phenomenal – not only with his drinks but also with his knowledge and personality behind the bar and fully deserved the title.'

'It's unbelievable,' says Erik, 'this was far and away the most challenging and nerve-wracking competition that I've ever been in and I'm absolutely thrilled to have won. I was up against the best bartenders in the country – lots of whom I know and admire personally – and performing in front of judges of this calibre has been the highlight of my career so far.

'I'm hugely excited about the global final and I'm planning to show that cocktail-making in the UK can rival, if not better, anywhere else in the world – it's an amazing opportunity.'