Thursday night, in front of a capacity crowd, Brandie Harrison took the 2017 BARocker title at the Hard Rock Cafe, Niagara Falls USA. Behind her signature drink, the "Purple Haze," Harrison bested five fellow bar staff members. She will advance to November's national BARocker finals in Washington, D.C.
The Niagara Falls competition was five rounds, and called for bartenders to show off their best tin-spins, coaster tosses and flip-to-pour techniques. They also had to have a command of the drink ingredients, be able to interact with guests, and show off the company's uniform and flair elements. Points were awarded for taste, style and creativity.
Originally from Youngstown, Harrison has worked at the Niagara Falls restaurant for 11 years. She also won the local BARocker competition three years ago.
The "Purple Haze" consists of Smirnoff vodka, Beefeater gin, Bacardi raspberry rum, homemade sweet and sour, Sierra Mist lemon-lime soda and Chambord raspberry liqueur.
Brandie Harrison
